Hello, fellow Muses! Today, I wanna talk about self-care, a topic that often gets misunderstood as a selfish act. Actually, self-care is one of the most selfless things you can do for yourself and others. As a wannabe philanthropist and a staunch advocate for positive mental health, I believe that nurturing your own well-being is the key to giving more to the world.
“Self-Care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”
Eleanor Brownn
Let’s delve into eight examples of how self-care can truly be an act of selflessness:
- Improved Mental Health: When you prioritize self-care, you boost your mental health. A balanced mind allows you to be more present and supportive of your loved ones, enabling you to offer a shoulder to lean on during challenging times.
- Enhanced Physical Health: Regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate rest are all part of self-care. When you’re healthy, you can actively participate in community activities and volunteer work, making a positive impact on those in need.
- Emotional Resilience: Self-care equips you with emotional resilience. By managing stress, you can stay calm and collected in high-pressure situations, enabling you to support others during their own tough times.
- Setting an Example: By practicing self-care, you set an example for those around you, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being. Your loved ones are more likely to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of self-care in your community.
- Increased Compassion: Self-care allows you to connect with your own feelings and experiences on a deeper level. This heightened self-awareness fosters empathy and compassion, making you more understanding and supportive of others’ struggles.
- Boundaries and Healthy Relationships: Self-care helps you establish healthy boundaries in your relationships. By maintaining your own well-being, you’re better equipped to maintain positive and meaningful connections with others.
- Boosted Productivity: Taking time for self-care ensures that you’re recharged and ready to tackle your goals. Your increased productivity can lead to greater contributions to charitable causes and community initiatives.
- Inspiring Others: When you make self-care a priority, you inspire others to do the same. Your commitment to self-improvement can ignite a passion for self-care in your community, leading to a collective focus on well-being.
In essence, self-care is not a selfish endeavor but a selfless act that replenishes your inner reservoir of love, kindness, and energy. It enables you to be the best version of yourself, for your own sake and for the betterment of the world around you.
Self-Care Examples
So, what types of things are considered self-care? Here are eight examples (8 is my fav!) to get you on your way to making yourself a priority, starting NOW.
- Exercise/Physical Activity: Move your body! Engage in regular physical activity that you enjoy, whether it’s jogging, yoga, dancing, hiking, cycling, or simple walking. Exercise boosts your mood and overall well-being. But, it doesn’t have to be a structured exercise program! Exercise “snacks”, moving just 10 minutes at a time, several times a day, will do the job, too. You may need to remove old thinking errors regarding movement that no longer serve you and reframe the rest to suit your needs. Movement is important for our body and mind, and even small amounts of movement add up, so get up every 20 minutes and move your body- or stand at your desk! Do what you need to do to get that movement in. I promise you will thank me for it.
- Healthy Eating: Nourish your body with nutritious foods. A balanced diet can provide you with the energy and vitality you need for a fulfilling life. A good way to do this is to eat unprocessed foods often found in the diameter of the grocery store. Avoid the middle isles where they keep processed crap foods!
- Quality Sleep: Prioritize getting enough restful sleep. A well-rested mind and body are better equipped to handle daily challenges. 7 to 8 hours is the average for most peeps.
- Nature Walks: Get out of your head and get into nature by going for a walk in the park, hiking in the woods, or simply sitting in your garden. Nature has a calming effect on the mind. Personally, I feel this one is more important than we realize. We are from this glorious planet, and to Her, we shall return. For this reason alone, we should make an effort to ground ourselves and make connecting with the good ol’ outdoors a priority.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Take a few minutes daily to practice meditation or mindfulness exercises. These practices can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Journaling/Self-Refection: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. This can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain insight into your life. Go old-school and write it out or utilize one of the many apps out there to keep journaling on any device right at your fingertips. Additionally, set aside time for self-reflection and goal-setting. It’s essential to evaluate your aspirations and make plans for personal growth. Do this in baby steps and break down big, vague goals into small, actionable steps.
- Reading: Escape into a good book or explore topics that interest you. Reading can be a wonderful way to relax and expand your knowledge.
- Digital Detox/Social Connection: Take a break from screens and social media. Disconnecting from technology for a while can help you recharge and reduce stress. This behavior leads to the next seamlessly: Spend quality time with loved ones, whether having a meaningful conversation, sharing a meal, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
Remember, my friends, the key is to find activities and practices that resonate with you and make you feel rejuvenated and balanced.
Let’s embrace self-care, nurturing ourselves with love and kindness so that we can radiate these qualities into the world.
<3Muse
In Conclusion
In conclusion, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By practicing self-care, we become more resilient, compassionate, and equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s a beautiful cycle of self-nurturing leading to a greater capacity for empathy and service.
I invite you to take action today. Start by incorporating a small self-care ritual into your daily routine and observe how it transforms your life. Whether it’s a moment of mindfulness, a walk in nature, or dedicating time to a hobby you love, make it a priority. Make YOU a priority.
P.S. My Fav Self-Care Activities
P.S. I thought I’d share my personal favorite self-care activities with you. These are the little rituals that light up my soul and help me stay balanced.
Movement/Exercise: Being active is important to me. I incorporate a variety of exercises in my routine, including weights, cardio, and short bursts of movement throughout the day. By staying active, I prioritize my physical and mental well-being, boost my vitality, and effectively manage any aches and pains that may arise with age.
Taking a Bath: There’s something truly magical about soaking in a warm bath. It’s not just about cleansing the body; it’s a ritual of cleansing the soul. It’s in those moments of quiet reflection that I find solace and rejuvenation. At times, I add fragrance and bubbles, and a stemless glass of wine.
Reading: I’m an avid reader, and books have been steadfast companions. I love to dive into stories that transport me to different worlds, and I’m also passionate about learning. Psychology and behavior change are like hidden treasures within the pages of books, and I’m always eager to explore and learn.
Creative Hobbies: I’ve embraced various hobbies over the years, all of which I’ve taught myself… to relax… though my kids might say otherwise. ~smile~ Writing/blogging/content creation, making afghans, and crafting hand-poured candles and melts have become my creative outlets which also serve as therapeutic practices that help me stay grounded. Candle-making is my fav. It’s the mad scientist in me who enjoys mixing different things together to produce the best burning and strongest-smelling candle possible. They aren’t very pretty yet, but I will get there. I’ll just have to sell them to pay for the hobby itself. LOL🤣
For more inspiration, tips, and resources on self-care, positive mental health, and making a positive impact on the world, be sure to subscribe using the box below! Together, we can “be the change”…
Take that first step today, and let the ripple effect of selfless self-care bring more love and awesomeness into the world.
I’d love to hear about your favorite self-care activities and the unique ways you nurture your well-being. Leave a comment below and of course, sign up now if you haven’t. Let’s inspire and support each other! 👊
abipolarmuse 