Self-Care is Never Selfish

Health & Lifestyle

“When you put your needs last, you’re like a plant without water that’s worried about providing enough shade for others.”

– Alexis Jones (activist and motivational speaker)

I’m sure we’ve all heard these words before: “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. In other words, if you aren’t taking good care of yourself, you can’t effectively take care of others. It’s so important that you find the time for self-care and attention.

Here are 7 ways you can practice self-care:

Stay Nourished 🥗

They say you are what you eat. Care for your body by fueling it with healthy and nourishing meals and snacks. Be mindful of certain foods that don’t make you feel good and consider eliminating them from your diet. Especially during warmer weather, remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day and everyday.

Learn more: Brain-Gut Connection / 7 Ways to Practice Mindful Eating

Sleep Well 💤

This is not only about how many hours of sleep you get, but also about the quality of your sleep. You work hard throughout the day, so take the time needed to restore. While it’s ideal to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep, make sure you feel comfortable while you are and that you’re waking up feeling well-rested.

Learn more: Sleep & Stress Management / How to Sleep for Peak Mental Performance

Get and Stay Active 💪

Physical activity is great for your body and mind. Your brain releases endorphins, a feel-good brain chemical that helps to reduce stress. You deserve to feel good! Plus, it boosts your energy, immune system and improves sleep. So, strap on your running shoes. A nice 30-minute walk is all it takes.

Connect with Others 📞

Whether it’s a family member, friend or colleague, connect and spend time with people you know and trust. Know when to ask for help when you need it. That is a form of self-care.

Take a Pause

Stop, slow down, and make time for pause. Listen to calming music, journal, pray, meditate, go for a walk in nature, take a few deep breaths or stretch. Taking a pause is a great way to pace yourself and reset.

Learn more: Meditation Tools & Tips

Be Kind to Yourself 🥰

Never be so hard on yourself! Embrace yourself fully – all your mistakes and accomplishments. We are human after all. Know that you are doing the best you can. Try this: Look in the mirror and say something kind to yourself each day.

Stay Committed 📆

Build a self-care routine and try your very best to stay committed to it. Without a doubt, the demands of life can be stressful. Now more than ever, remember to first fill up your own cup. Find what feels good to you, stick to it, and keep going!

Learn more: Your Mental Health Matters: Extra Brain-Love During Times of Stress

What are other ways you practice self-care? Share them in the comments section! 👇


Subscribe to receive articles straight to your inbox. It’s totally free!


WEBSITE DISCLAIMER

This website is provided only for informational purposes and not intended to be used to replace professional advice, treatment or professional care. Always speak to your physician, healthcare provider or pediatrician if you have concerns about your own health or the health of a child.

4 thoughts on “Self-Care is Never Selfish

  1. Hi Samantha,

    I love this article as I have been purposely practicing self-care only this year! I resonate with the tip to be kind to ourselves. It’s so easy to fall into self-sabotage with all that surrounds us in society. An affirmation I love reading is, “I am worthy of my own love. I don’t have to earn love any more than I have to earn the right to breath.” Accepting both the strengths and flaws that we embody is how we can love ourselves and therefore we will love others.

    1. Hi Kaitlin,

      What a beautiful (and very true) affirmation. Thank you for sharing it.
      Sometimes we do have to start off by being purposeful and intentional with our self-care practices, until they become naturally integrated in our every day.

  2. Hi Samantha, I really enjoyed reading this post! My top ways of taking care of myself is meditation and staying active. Being able to wake up with a meditation is effective for a positive day. Working out with my gym community is beneficial because I get a really good sweat on AND get to socialize at the same time!

    1. Hey Kaitlin! I’m glad to hear that you have self-care routines of your own that help you to stay positive, active and connected! Thank you for reading and sharing 🙂

Leave a Reply