One’s Self Care May Not Be Your Self Care
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Self-care can be different for everyone, after all it is called self-care. According to WHO, the World Health Organization, the definition of self-care is the ability of individuals to promote health , maintain health, and cope with illness or disability with or without the support of a doctor. It can refer to any activity we do to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It is essential to practice caring for yourself to avoid stress and burnout, this is the time for your body to recharge.
Navigating Misconceptions and Personal Struggles
More than likely you have experienced something very similar to me. You scroll online for hours reading about self-care to mainly see spa visits, yoga, and journaling. Personally, I remember being told “the reason you’re so stressed is because you don’t meditate” and being sent several links to one specific type of meditation. I started to believe others and stray away from my personal needs and wants. Not only did I not know back then that self-care looks different for everyone, but I started to knock myself down because it wasn’t helping me and somehow I placed the blame on myself.
Embracing Individuality in Self-Care
Years later, the frustration got to me, and I wanted change, not only for myself but for others. I started to wonder why my self care looks different than others self care. From watching YouTube videos titled ‘How To Be That Girl” and 1000 videos on self-care regimens, I began to feel exhausted. I had to learn that self care isn’t necessarily what you are doing, but how you are supporting your own needs. It all started to make sense to me- we are all unique individuals and because of that, we all have different needs. My self-care may not be your self-care and vice versa.
The Importance of Personalized Self-Care
It is imperative for us to recognize the routines and activities that bring us joy, energy, and improve our overall well-being. Self-care is all about feeding into ourselves and replenishing our own resources. When we prioritize taking care of ourselves, it provides us with the ability to be healthy, accomplish our daily tasks, and take care of and help others. In today’s world, we are all feeling the daily stressors of life, whether it’s work, financial, family, etc, we are all stressed. To be at our best, we must set aside time for ourselves.
Examples of Self Care
When it comes to self-care, each individual’s needs can vary. I want to share many different examples of self-care and you might notice that some seem stressful or unmanageable and that is perfectly okay. Self-care should feel good to you, that is the most important factor.
- Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings to gain clarity.
- Creative Expression: Painting, writing, singing, playing music, etc.
- Getting Regular Exercise
- Getting Enough Sleep
- Self-Compassion
- Meditation
- Spending Time in Nature
- Breathing Exercises
- Taking time away from social media.
- Exploring Spirituality
With self-care catering to your personal needs, your self-care routine may change as your needs change.
Embracing Trial and Error
Finding your ideal self-care routine is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different activities and approaches until you discover what works best for you. And remember, what may have worked in the past may not necessarily serve you in the present, so stay open to adaptation and evolution.
Celebrating the Journey
In a world that often demands conformity, self-care serves as a powerful reminder of our autonomy and individuality. By embracing the notion that “one’s self-care may not be your self-care,” we affirm our right to define and prioritize practices that nurture our holistic well-being. So let’s celebrate the diversity of self-care and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, one personalized practice at a time.