Self care is everything.

Self-care. Care for yourself. Isn’t that a concept? Perhaps you think it’s selfish. Perhaps you don’t think there is time. Perhaps, you just don’t know where to start.

The thought of self-care has been on my mind for quite sometime. It has taken me a realllllly longtime to understand why it is so important, and even more so how to make it happen.

Self-care is taking care of your physical body + also your mind. What does that mean? For me, it is knowing that my body is a vessel for me to live my whole life in, I walk, I talk, I do things, I work, I  take care of others-all with this body. For years, I did not take care of this body. I ate poorly, I laid around because I was too tired. Stress is a killer. Stress plays a huge role in both a physical way and an emotional way.

Self-care is what we practice + engage in to maintain our overall well-being. Self-care is necessary to meet your personal commitments, whether they are being a good parent, employee, student, sister, friend, boss, daughter, co-worker, neighbor, heck a human being.

I talk about working on a healthy mind just as much as a healthy body. Sometimes, I feel as though they go hand in hand. I do something good for my body, a good workout releases all the good feels. Eating a healthy meal gives me energy and stamina to keep the day going.

Yet reading a good book with a cup of coffee and a candle lit, can make me feel at ease. Just when I need it, I have learned what I need to do.

Self-reflection, “serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.”

Simple enough. Right? Or in other words, ask yourself, “what is it that you struggle with?”

I am so guilty of so many things. I compare a lot. I hate that. Comparison of the thief of joy ‘they’ say. It truly is. Do I want what everyone else seems to have? Sometimes. But I have learned I have my own power to have whatever I want or think I want or need-I just have to fix my flaws, and take care of myself to get there.

So where do you begin?

For me, it was self-esteem. I was tired of feeling frumpy, humbly overweight, and most of all sooooooo tired! I started here. I found a plan that worked for me, and forced myself to stick to it. For the first time in my life, I held myself accountable to me. I did not let myself down. I lost the weight, I ate right and exercised and beat my goal even.

Guess what though. I still was not happy. I was still not satisfied. My mind was not happy.

So now what? Well, geez. Let me tell you, I am still a work in progress. I have battled depression, bouts of anxiety and panic attacks-and bitterness. Man, it takes A LOT Of energy to be angry.

What was I even angry about? That’s the thing. What were with my mood swings? I was driving my self nuts-and I still do.

I made goals for myself, and realized again the power was in my hand to make changes.

“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”-Mandy Hale 

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So what did I learn the past couple of years on this (still in progress) journey? 

1. Say no! Over-commitment is a beast.

2. Focus on the good, just not the bad.

3. Stay organized.

4. Make connections, genuine ones.

5. Be grateful, always.

6. Try something new, as much as you can.

7. Stretch. Yoga. Essential oils. Bring calm to your life.

8. Be intentional with everything that you do.

9. Use healthy coping skills.

10. Write! Journal or keep a diary-or write a blog.

11. Stay focused on your goals and priorities without the cos of losing life’s joy.

12. It is your life, and it does not belong to anyone else.

13. Eat all the colors of veggies and fruits.

14. Carbs are ok, but they are also the devil. Moderation is key.

15. Protein comes in many forms, not just meat.

16. Children are the best self-esteem boosters.

17. Family is everything. They will always be there for you.

18. Music touches your soul.

19. Yoga is harder than it looks.

20. Your body is capable of anything.

21. Mind over matter-always tell yourself that.

22. Ask for help. Don’t think you can do it on your own.

23. Relationships take effort. A lot of it.

24. Self-care is intentional care.

25. Invest in you.

26. Be mindful in your decisions.

27. Never grocery shop hungry.

28. Don’t miss an opportunity to say, “I love you.”

29. Don’t ever make an important decision when you are emotional.

30. Apologize when you know you were wrong.

31. Don’t have expectations of other people. You are not them.

32. Don’t be scared to try something new.

33. Always try it once within reason. If you don’t like it, don’t do it again.

34. Your siblings are lifelong friends. They are major supporters, they are just like you only different.

35. Being a parent is greatest honor in life.

36. Life does not always go as planned.

37. Leave your bubble.

38. Take chances.

39. Move your body, every single day.

40. Take naps. It is your body telling you that you need it.

41. Exhaustion and burnout is a real.

42. Your needs are just as important as everyone else’s.

43. You cannot put from an empty cup. (this is the basis for this whole list)

44. Pay it forward. Offer your assistance.

45. Drink water, all the water.

46. Your mind will answer most of your questions if you let it.

47. Be kind to yourself.

48. Stress wreaks havoc on your mind, body and soul.

49. Being a mother is rewarding on so many levels.

50. You must love yourself before you can love another.

I am certainly not an expert-and I am certainly not perfect. I struggle almost everyday on most of these. I would LOVE to hear your ways of promoting self-care.

“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself. ” – Steve Maraboli 

Rachel Reed, blogger at The Lake Country Mom, based in southeast Wisconsin.
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