This blog post is about what self-care is and what it is not.
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What is Self-Care Day?
The official self-care day is celebrated on July 24th. It’s a day when people focus on taking care of themselves – whether that’s moving your body, doing skincare, reading a book, taking a walk, or anything else that boosts your self-esteem. Basically, do what works for you.
Self-care day doesn’t have to be just on July 24th, though. You can create your own “self-care day” – it could be once a month or once a week. It’s important to have a self-care day because it’s easy to put it off. When that happens, we can start neglecting ourselves, and that’s something we want to avoid.
What Self-Care Is Not
Even though self-care is all about putting yourself first and prioritizing your needs, there are some things it isn’t:
1. Lying
No one likes a liar. Even if you think telling a little white lie won’t hurt anyone, those small lies can pile up and turn into big problems. Eventually, it can make you look bad when everything comes out.
2. Isolating Yourself
It’s okay to take time alone to clear your head or get to know yourself better, but isolating yourself too much can do more harm than good. It’s important to take care of yourself, but don’t overdo it.
3. No Boundaries
Self-care doesn’t mean having no boundaries. You can still enjoy yourself, but it’s important to set limits on certain things, like eating junk food too often. Boundaries are key.
For a better understanding on boundaries, here are two books I LOVE and think will help you!:
For a better understanding on boundaries, here are two books I LOVE and think will help you!:
4. Flaking on Others
When does self-care become selfish? It becomes selfish when you start putting others down or neglecting your relationships. Flaking on people too much can be seen as disrespectful. You can say no or cancel plans, but be honest about it. This is one of the main reasons people lose friendships. It’s all about finding balance.
5. Prioritizing One Thing Over Everything
As I said, balance is important. You can’t only prioritize fun stuff. You also need to get things done, like work, school, or other responsibilities. Learn how to balance your time.
What Are Self-Care Goals?
Most people’s self-care goals are about improving their physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s about doing things that help you feel good about yourself. Overall, the goal is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, find balance in your life, and support your well-being.
What Are Self-Care Practices?
1. Exercise
Just 30 minutes of moving your body can make a huge difference. Not only will you feel better, but your body will also thank you for keeping it healthy.
To help you get started, I’ve listed some home workout equipment that I use and you can try them too:
2. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
Exercise is great, but it all starts with what you eat. Keep a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. This will boost your energy levels and help you stay focused throughout the day. Also, keep an eye on how much caffeine or alcohol you consume and how it affects your mood. Remember, boundaries still apply – enjoy yourself, but don’t go overboard.
3. Prioritize Sleep
This self-care tip is non-negotiable; I can’t stress this enough – get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed early so you wake up feeling refreshed. If you have trouble sleeping, try cutting down on screen time before bed. Put your phone and computer down, and if you still can’t sleep, read a book. Create a bedtime schedule and stick to it.
4. Practice Gratitude
Remind yourself daily of the things you’re grateful for. Writing these things down in a journal can be a helpful way to make gratitude a regular part of your day.
5. Set Goals and Prioritize
Decide what tasks need to be done now and what can wait. Learn how to say “no” when you’re feeling overwhelmed by new tasks or responsibilities. Atomic Habits by James Clear (my favorite) is a great reads that offers valuable insight on goal setting.
6. Go to Therapy
Sometimes we do a lot and get overwhelmed, and talking to friends or family isn’t always enough. Seeking professional help is a great choice when you need extra support.
Now that I listed everything…
I just explained what self-care day is, what it’s not, and shared some self-care practices with you. Now, it’s up to you to put them into practice! (By the way, take a WATER shot every time you read the word “practice.”)
Self-care is a journey. You’ll start today, and as time goes on, you’ll develop new habits and ways to keep up your self-care routine.
Final Final Thoughts
Self-care is not just a trend, it’s a lifelong commitment to nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. Whether it’s taking a break for a walk, setting healthy boundaries, or simply getting enough sleep, each small act of self-care adds up. Remember, it’s okay to put yourself first, but it’s also important to find balance. By making self-care a regular part of your life, you’ll not only feel better but you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever comes your way. Start today, and make self-care a priority—because you deserve it!
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