The phrase “self-care” gets thrown around a lot lately. So much so, that many people think it’s a luxury. Self-care can take many forms, and is vital for a balanced life. It is especially essential for those with chronic stress, illness or pain, who feel depleted much faster. It is the emotional first aid we all need.
Between busy schedules, work, family, etc., it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself, which is why it’s often viewed as an “extra” in life. The problem with self-care is that we often fail to see that it runs on a broad spectrum. Self-care doesn’t have to mean taking a day at the spa or meditating for hours each day.
It is not just the big events in life that cause stress and wear us down. The accumulated and chronic stress from daily life eats away at our resources just like those pesky automatic deposits and monthly fees do to our banking account. It adds up!
So, just about everyone has chronic stress! If you also have a chronic illness, or chronic pain condition, it is like starting out with less resources “in the bank.” We MUST make some deposits on a regular basis – and regular smaller deposits (frequent acts of self-care) seem to help more than one large deposit (a vacation or spa day).
The reality is that no matter what your schedule might be, you have time for self-care. It’s not a luxury or something only people with extra time on their hands get to do. In fact, it’s mandatory for your overall health and well being.
So, why is it so important, and how can you practice self-care on a busy schedule?
Self-care Sets Boundaries
If you’re worried about your busy schedule, there’s a good chance you have a hard time saying no to people. Maybe you were asked to stay late at work a few times this week. Or, perhaps your child wants to sign up for yet another activity.
While these things aren’t necessarily harmful, they can add up quickly, leaving you with little or no time for yourself.
When you practice self-care, you can learn the importance of the word “no”. Scheduling self-care first allows you to better establish boundaries and determine what you can and can’t do.
Self-care Promotes Emotional Health
When you take time out to care for yourself, you’re reminded of the fact that you’re just as important as everyone else in your life. Your needs are just as important and deserving of attention.
The better care you take of yourself emotionally, the easier it will be for you to value yourself, which can lead to deeper feelings of contentment and satisfaction.
Self-care also can reduce your stress levels. If you’re exceptionally busy, you might feel stressed and anxious more often than not. When you take time for yourself and find something that relaxes and revives you, your stress levels will decline. Not only does that contribute to your emotional health, but it can have positive physical consequences, too as headaches, muscle tightness, digestive trouble and more may decrease
It Helps You Care for Others
It is hard to keep giving to others when your cup is empty! Of course, you can care for others while putting your own needs on the back burner. But, you’ll do a much better job of being a caregiver when you have taken care of yourself, first.
When you are well-rested and in an emotionally-healthy state, you’re less likely to feel burned out. On the other hand, if you spend your time caring for others without caring for yourself, you’re likely to have feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and even resentment.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. It might take a little bit of extra planning (especially if you’re busy), but it’s not a luxury that’s too exclusive for your life.
Simply finding some time alone can make you feel better and more relaxed. Choose a different way to pamper yourself each week, even if you don’t leave your own house to do it. Self-care doesn’t need to be pricey or take a lot of time. It just needs to be something that becomes a routine priority in your life. You’ll feel better, and the people in your life will undoubtedly notice a difference, too
Contact Me
If you’re struggling with self-care or you’re not sure how to put yourself first, please feel free to contact me. We can work on a few different ideas, and help you develop more insight into why taking care of yourself is so important especially when you’re dealing with a chronic illness or pain.
