Self-Care is A NecessiTy
A conversation about why it is absolutely essential to care for our bodies, minds, and souls by making our needs a priority.
“Self-care is not self-indulgence;
self-care is self-respect on every level.” -Unknown
self-care is self-respect on every level.” -Unknown
When we become busy in life, we become stressed. Both good and bad things cause stress. Planning and executing a birthday party for your 1-year-old can be just as stressful to your mind and body as if your child was hospitalized with an illness. Stress causes our bodies to release cortisol and adrenaline to deal with the challenge at hand; generally speaking, our body doesn’t differentiate between ‘good’ (celebratory) stress and ‘bad’ (concerned) stress.
This means we are likely to experience lots of stress in our lives. And it is essential that we provide ourselves with stress-free activities that allow our bodies to experience restoration.
Research has shown that regularly occurring stress can cause digestive issues, increased blood pressure, feelings of heaviness and mania, skin disorders, and lowered libido. Chronic stress, or stress which continues over time without release, increases the possibility of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, ulcers, and depression.
Studies have also shown that women are especially prone to these physical symptoms of stress.
Our ability to practice self-care is the key factor in preventing such symptoms. Our commitment to caring for ourselves is essential to our overall health, and that of our loved ones. Therefore, self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.
It’s been a while since most of us have flown, but I’m guessing you still know the script…
“If you are traveling with small children or those needing assistance, be sure to put your oxygen mask on first.”
The flight attendants aren’t underestimating the value of your children’s lives or suggesting that any person around you is less important. They are simply reminding your compassionate heart of scientific fact…if you are unconscious, you can offer nothing. That is to say, you are literally lifeless in such a situation. This isn’t just that you have less to give, you actually have nothing at all.
So many of us are determined to ‘put others first,’ but at what cost…to them and yourself?
What if, instead of first, we resolved to give others the best of us?
When we practice self-care, we ensure that our body, mind, and soul are given the space to heal. Researchers have found that people who engage in self-care practices are more productive, are healthier physically and emotionally, and have incredible self-awareness. All of which are required to serve others well.
One of the greatest rewards of self-care is freedom. When we choose to give ourselves space, to care for the stressed out and overwhelmed parts of ourselves, we are really removing shackles from our lives. Too often we live in bondage to checklists, chores, errands, expectations, and plans. When we practice self-care, we are giving ourselves permission to say “no” to the chains.
And our freedom inspires others.
Imagine what your sister, or mother, or friend, or daughter bears witness to every time you choose to care for yourself. They not only experience the best of you, but they also learn to recognize their own power in claiming such freedom.
So, go take a walk without the kids. Say no to girl’s night and take yourself on a date. Say no to overtime and go out with the girls. Get your nails done. Climb a mountain. Take a drive with the windows down. Send the kids to a friend’s house and take a bubble bath. Buy the expensive wine or coffee. Get a massage. Call a friend. Go fishing. Take a class at the community college. Go stay at the fanciest local hotel, by yourself.
It will be hard. It will feel like your indulging and ignoring. You are not. You are taking care of yourself.
Figure what makes all the stress of life fade away for a moment and frees your spirit. Treat yourself…with the same care, compassion, and love that you treat your spouse, your kids, your friends, and your loved ones.
Give yourself permission to make your restoration a priority, and give the world the best of you.