There’s so much talk about self-care these days that it can start to feel like yet another thing you aren’t doing well enough. The term might evoke images of pedicures and long bubble baths. But, as self-care expert Robyn Gobin (2019) shares, “Real self-care means asking yourself, What do I need most right now on a soul level?”
Real self-care could mean:
Taking a step toward a goal you’ve been putting off Asking for help Straightening out your finances Engaging in a creative outlet Setting relationship boundaries Making a change that will help your future self And you can practice real self-care in many domains of your life, including work, relationships, health, intellectual pursuits, social activism, or spirituality. Ideally, self-care should be anchored in your values and should fill your soul.
Common myths about self-care are that it’s indulgent or selfish and only for people with money to spare. In reality, neither plentiful time nor financial resources are required.
“When I think about people going on yoga retreats or doing spa treatments for self-care, I have pangs of envy. That’s just not going to happen in my life as it is now. It helps me to pause and think about what I can do, within my real life, to better care for myself. Even if I can’t go to a spa, I can walk my dog, spend time with someone I love, get extra sleep, or take time to relax on the couch with a good book. I can make room to engage in self-care in many small ways. Today we’re going to take an honest look at your life and what real self-care looks like for you, because, if we’re going to care for others, it’s important to care for ourselves.” - Debbie Sorensen, Ph.D.
Daily Writing: My Real Self-Care When you take good care of yourself;
what do you do?
How do you neglect yourself?
What is the impact on you?
If you were going to take better care of yourself this month, what would self-care look like in terms of your health, work, relationships, finances, intellectual pursuits, altruistic efforts, or spirituality?
What could be your daily self-care practice?
Today’s Practice:
Find one small (or big) way to practice self-care and prioritize doing it today. Be sure it’s aligned with your values and is realistic for you in your life as it is.
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