By Sofia Potente
OK, let’s be honest. The word ‘self-care’ is such a cliché, right? We already know what we need to do to look after ourselves.
But how do we actually make it happen when we have small humans to raise/a household to manage/a business to run/or <insert a zillion responsibilities here>?
Here’s the thing. We ALL have our struggles and challenges – some greater than others.
But the truth is that the more pressure we’re under, the MORE important self-care is.
We deserve and owe it to ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, so that we can juggle the million things on our plate.
Here are the 3 subconscious excuses we often make and how to work around them.
1. Self-care is a luxury
Repeat after me: self-care is not pampering; it’s not selfish. Self-care is meeting our basic human needs. Now isn’t that a mindset shift?
It’s more than the bubble baths or massages. Self-care is about giving ourselves what we need to be able to do the things we want.
Like putting on our own mask on an airplane first, before we rescue others.
A marathon runner knows the importance of self-care. They need to give their bodies the very best in nutrition, rest and mindset to reach that milestone. Raising small humans is one of the most important marathons there is, if you ask me!
So start with identifying your needs. What’s that ONE thing you need regularly that will create a positive effect on the other areas of your life?
Is it alone time to reflect and be with your thoughts? Is it more sleep? Is it time for learning new things? Or is it connection with others that restores your tank? Whatever it is, identify the one thing you need most and make that a priority.
You know what else? The world will keep revolving while you meet your needs. And when you come back, your kids/partner/boss/business will be so grateful for that better version of you that has filled their own cup.
We deserve and owe it to ourselves to be the best version of ourselves, so that we can juggle the million things on our plate.
2. I’ve got no time.
So here’s the secret – MAKE time. Once you’ve decided it’s a priority, schedule self-care into your calendar and treat it like a dentist appointment.
That may sound harsh, but the truth is we all have the same 24 hours in a day, and we get to choose where we spend it. That quick Facebook scroll. Or Netflix session. Or other mundane things we do. It all adds up. Keeping a 24-hour log of your day can be very eye-opening on where our time goes.
Then look at where you can make tweaks to your day to fit in your priorities.
