Many of us worry that practicing self-care is selfish. Or we assume we don’t have the time or resources to devote to self-care. Or we worry that others will judge us for not being martyrs to our families, friends or jobs.
In her book Nurturing the Soul of Your Family: 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life, life coach, speaker and author Renée Peterson Trudeau lists a variety of benefits of self-care.
I’m including her words below, because they serve as an important reminder of how vital and powerful self-care really is.
The next time you wonder if it’s OK to take care of yourself, to put yourself first, to say no to a commitment that doesn’t feel good, to take a walk, to explore your creativity, to read, to see a therapist, to take a nap, to rest — whatever your self-care includes — re-read this list.
Remind yourself that it’s OK to care for yourself. That even more importantly, self-care is a must. A necessity.
According to Renée, self-care is key because:
- “We feel more generous and can avoid building resentments toward others who demand our energy and time.
- We validate and honor our own worth, which in turn enhances true confidence and self-esteem.
- We feel alive and whole, so we are able to function at our best and do all the things we want to do.
- We renew and restore our energy and create energy reserves so we’re able to weather unforeseen challenges more easily.
- We feel more loving and gentle toward ourselves, which helps us to be more present and calm and to respond wisely, intuitively, and effectively in any circumstance.
- We own our personal power and begin to realize our potential; the more self-accepting we become, the more self-assured we are.
- We feel more loving and playful, which makes us better friends, partners, and parents and more fun to be around!
- We experience heightened well-being and vitality.”
- Here, consider why self-care is important to you. Consider what it’s given you or what it might give you. How does self-care affect your body image? How does it affect your health? Your relationships? Your whole life?
Write down the benefits that resonate with you on a small index card. Keep that card in your wallet, and refer to it regularly. Write the benefits as notes in your phone. Print the list out and frame it.
Again, self-care isn’t selfish. It isn’t a luxury or an indulgence. Think of yourself as a plant, and self-care as the water that provides you with nourishment, helps you stay healthy and helps you grow and flourish.
Think of self-care as oxygen to your cells.
Why do you practice self-care? Why would you like to practice self-care?