The concept of self care refers to taking personal responsibility for one's own physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual health. There are some people who don't yet recognize self care as being essential to personal health maintenance. Some of these people view the practice as being frivolous or even selfish. The following are some of the myths that need to be corrected.
Self Care is Selfish
Regularly taking time out to tend to all aspects of healthy living is not a selfish act. Women who become stressed and burned out can find themselves sick more often. If the illness becomes pronounced women can then find themselves completely unable to tend to their responsibilities which can then lead to more stress and more illness. Practicing self care is preventative rather than selfish.
Taking Time Out is Expensive
While there are many expensive spas and resorts that promise the ultimate self care experience, there are also plenty of budget friendly activities women can do engage in to help them maintain a balanced lifestyle. The following are some examples of cost free activities that can promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Go for a walk around the neighborhood or on a nature trail to increase physical activity and clear the mind.
- Listen to relaxing classical music or other music of choice that is inspiring.
- Soak in a warm bath to relax tense muscles.
- Browse through a greenhouse or spend some time in a flower garden for relaxing visuals and scents.
- Practice guided meditations.
- Revisit a favorite novel from the bookshelf that hasn't been touched in a long time.
Practicing Self Care is Time Consuming
Some women may need to adjust their current schedules in order to include self care activities, but it is up to each individual how much time she needs or wants to devote to this practice. There are many activities that can be done during the waiting time between appointments or while engaging in daily household tasks. Here are some examples.
- Reading one article of interest in a favorite magazine while waiting for a doctors appointment can provide mental stimulation.
- Listening to inspiring and uplifting music while washing dishes or folding laundry can improve mood.
- Grabbing a favorite fruit or vegetable to snack on while going over bills or school newsletters will be a better treat for the body than snacking on chocolate, chips or other kinds of junk food.
Taking Time for Oneself Means Neglecting Loved Ones.
Some women might encounter initial resistance from friends or family upon enforcing their need to have time for themselves. An open and honest conversation with loved ones about why it's important and how they too will benefit will go a long way to reassure loved ones they haven't been forgotten. These friends and family may become more supportive once they see the positive results this breathing time brings about.
Only the Elite Practice Self Care
Images of rich heiresses spending days in luxurious spas with cucumbers on their eyes and goop on their face often come to mind when first imagining self care. It doesn't paint an easily attainable vision of self care practices. The reality is that it is beneficial for women to spend time replenishing themselves spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically no matter what social circle they belong to.
Contrary to some popular beliefs, integrating a well balanced self care plan into ones lifestyle does not have to take a lot of time or money and it is not a selfish act. Taking time out to tend to personal needs in order to increase wellbeing can have positive results on health and mood which, in turn, can help women be more productive in their lifestyles.
Colleen Boudreau - As a social worker of twelve years, Colleen has worked with individuals and families helping them to develop healthier living skills and ...
