Why Self Care Is Important

Self Care is about loving yourself enough to take care of yourself

What do you do to take care of yourself Mama’s? Do you do anything that is just for you? Well for those mama’s who struggle with self care or understanding what it is you’re in for a treat . I am going to let you in on the benefits to Self care. Before we talk about why self care is important. I am going to talk about what self care is. 

Definition of self care

• The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

When I originally read this definition, I shrugged it off. Thinking that’s a bunch of crap, who has time for that. What working mama has time for herself? I surely didn’t. That was until I had a nervous breakdown on my poor husband. It wasn’t pretty. When I calmed down and told my mom how I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed all the time she suggested meditation. That is when my self care journey began. 

Self care is deliberate and intentional practices to care for your mind, body, and spirit. I am not taking about your daily routine that you always do. I am talking about a series of little things you do to care for your body and mind. Like meditation, exercise, journaling or whatever it is that relaxes you and focuses on just you.

I want to make point of saying this loud and clear SELF-CARE is not selfish. It’s necessary!

Why Self Care Is Important

Making yourself a priority is so important for all of those around you especially your kids. They can feel your stress and they react to it in their own way. When you are running around doing a hundred different things work, kids, cleaning, cooking, laundry, playing with your kids. Those are all great until you burn out and I promise you its going to happen. The way to counter act it is self care. So, if that means you drop the kids off for a fun day with the grandparents then that is what you do. If it means getting up earlier to practice self care do it.

As a working mama I know all too well the stresses and obligations that demand our time. Making time for myself and for my self care has become a priority. By doing a self care routine it helps me be better for my family. I have help, my mom lives with us so I have it easier than most but I didn’t write It Takes A Village for no reason. It really does take a village. I can’t do everything I want to do without help. Don’t feel bad asking for help everyone needs help now and again.

Mama’s its ok to take care of yourself and make yourself a priority. It doesn’t make you any less of a mama it makes you a better mama. It also sets an example because our kids are always watching and mimic what we do. They see and know even if we think they don’t.

Self Care revitalizes you and makes you more present in those everyday moments. So instead of always being stressed out and screaming it can keep you focused and calm. Give yourself at least one hour a day to practice and the difference it will makes is life changing. You can pick a few areas you want to focus on and do those to get started.

8 Areas Of Your Life That Need Self Care

Emotional – Talk to someone, reflect, journal, read, do something artistic, listen to music, work out, go for a walk, watch something that suits the mood or changes it, cry it out, hug someone, cuddle, laugh, and take a nap.

Environmental – Take a walk somewhere nice, enjoy the fresh air, soak in the sun, enjoy the night sky, avoid littering, pick up litter, recycle, clean your house, redesign a room.

Financial – Create a practical financial plan, open a savings account, begin saving (even if it is only $1 per day), try saving even more if you are already saving, invest, reduce unnecessary purchases, consider where you can save money, avoid credit cards, and ask for a raise.

Intellectual – Read, listen to audiobooks, watch documentaries, solve puzzles, be aware of your surroundings, become curious, try something new, explore your creative/artistic side, enroll in a class, complete a program, and graduate.

Occupational – Learn a trade, earn a degree, prepare for a promotion, accept the promotion, compile a resume, polish your resume, apply for your dream job, take on a task you enjoy, and start your own business.

Physical – Work out every day, go for a walk, eat healthy, get your annual checkup, visit the dentist, take your medications as prescribed, avoid drugs and alcohol, get 7-9 hours of sleep, and see your doctor if you are not feeling well.

Social – Meet up with friends and family, stay in touch with old friends, volunteer, go out, have fun, engage in healthy social media use, look for the positive, use technology when distance is an issue, and have a good laugh.

Spiritual – Meditate, pray, think, engage in yoga, visit a meaningful place, do things properly for others, be mindful, ponder your larger purpose and significance, look for more supporting strength, love one another, aid those who are in need.

Final Thoughts

Self-care is an essential daily activity. This will result in a better balance of your life and improved overall health and wellness. Life is valuable and should be savored. I have just one question for you do you love yourself enough to take care of yourself?