What is Self Care
Do you practice self-care? What does that look like for you?
Often, we hear the phrases – wellness, self-care, be kind to yourself, self-love, but what do they really mean?
Is it a glass of wine and a soak in a tub, a walk in nature, retail therapy, dancing to music or like mine, a freshly baked media luna from one of my favorite cafés, Dian y Cocoa?
No judgment on my end – just curious. Like all activities, it requires investing time in yourself, and sometimes money.
Personally, I used a lot of retail therapy which I defined into the category of self-care for me when I was younger. Well, at least that’s what I told myself. The idea of buying things gave myself a momentary buzz and soon enough, the buzz disappeared. So, in order to keep the buzz going, I had to keep shopping to get that feeling. I was obviously unhappy but didn’t understand. Not far off from an alcoholic who needs to drink to get through the day. It took a personal wake-up call to change my way of thinking.
I now look at self-care as an investment in myself, not on things. It helps with my personal growth, improves my mental health and most of all, improves my relationships and helps set boundaries with others.
I know many people, especially women, are reluctant to spend money on themselves. I don’t know what kind of relationship they have with money but could it be that they don’t value knowledge and emotional growth because it’s not tangible like a new handbag or a pair of shoes?
That was how I used to see it.
Now, I incorporate self-care activities daily that cost little or no money. Simple things like riding a bus or tram that goes through a scenic route, walking around one of the outdoor street markets and buying fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables – farm to table – making sure to bring my own reusable bags of course or listening to one of my favorite Cape Bay Cafe Mysteries audiobook, the kind of stories that transport me away from the current sad world situations, even if only for a few minutes/hours.
An important daily self-care ritual for me is personal hygiene that includes using fresh, vegan skincare products head to toe, eating healthy foods (but not depriving myself of treats once in a while), and taking high value, fresh nutritional supplements to maintain and improve my health. I play an active role by being responsible for my overall health and wellness, doing what I can to remain active (walks, simple stretching, Pilates, daily meditation) as I age to ensure I am not a burden to my children, family or society.
To a healthier and happier YOU!
Celine
LOVE Yourself in 90-days
October 15 2022 – January 15 2023
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Celine
Founder of LOVE Yourself Project
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Enjoy!