The Importance of Self Care
It’s easy in our busy lives to forget ourselves. While that is never our intention at the start things can quickly snowball. We certainly make sure our loved ones are taken care of and try our best to stay on top of chores or daily work responsibilities. We give so much that we often retreat into ourselves at the end of a long day and feel lost or empty. I know that was the case for me.
Being a wife, mother and educator are only a few of my “titles” and they require me to function at my best. How can you give your best to others when you aren’t taking care of yourself? This balance is something I struggled with for years. I wanted to create fun memories for my family, keep a tidy home prepare nutritious meals and the list went on. It took me a long while to understand that the seasons of life all serve there own unique purpose. In the moment we tend to rush or push things aside waiting for something better to come along. We miss the point that the here and now is what matters. What we tend to will eventually grow into more. What we want matters.
I’ve discovered when I stop and focus on my own mind, body and spirit I am filled with more positivity and it overflows into other aspects of my life. Allowing me to be a better spouse, parent and friend. I know it’s hard to steal away moments when you feel responsible for so much, but take just a few minutes a day to put emphasis on activities that are only for you. Discover new hobbies or get out in nature- whatever makes you excited and provides you with motivation to tackle the rest of your day.
Some of my favorite activities for self care are:
Movement (whether I’m doing cardio at the gym or taking a yoga class I have found when I move my body, I just feel better. This is a great time to clear your mind and get a rush of endorphins.)
Reading (I’m a weekly library goer and I always keep a stack of new books on my coffee table. I usually take a few minutes each night to sit down with a book.)
Enjoying a warm beverage (coffee or tea-I probably let out a sigh of relief each time I sit down with a cup. It’s like a little treasure that’s only yours to enjoy.)
Baking (I spend a lot of time in my kitchen, one of my favorite hobbies is baking. Food is universal and to me means “I thought of you”. It’s a connection we can all relate to.)
Listening to music (Shortly after getting home I like to sit down for a couple minutes and turn on a few songs to relax before the dinner/evening rush.)
Self care is not indulgent it’s essential to restore balance and energy levels. You can show up ready to share a smile with those who matter most.
When I discover new companies or useful products I like to share them with others. A few weeks ago I received a subscription box from Tea Runners, a monthly curated tea club. This company is also run by a husband and wife team and they bring you a wide variety of tea flavors to match multiple tastes. You get to pick from four assorted boxes: (herbal, black, pure tea-no blends or a combination box). My favorite tea I received was the chamomile medley. Establishing a quiet ritual like drinking a cup of hot tea can help calm the body after a long day.
What are some ways you choose to focus on self care?