Today (July 1st) is National Self Care Day! Thank you to Jennifer Sterling and Stephanie Books from Books and Sterling, LLC for contributing this blog post today!
What is Self-Care? A buzzword you’ve probably heard over the past couple years – but do we really understand it? We typically think of it meaning being indulgent (“TREAT YO SELF!”) or inactive (naps!) but really, it’s so much more. While self-care can certainly include those things, it’s really about taking care of all aspects of you and your health: physical, mental, emotional, financial… all of it. Talk about daunting!
So where do you start?
Start small. Try to implement simple routine practices that are good for you. Create goals by breaking it down into pieces. Learn about creating SMART Goals here: https://youtu.be/1-SvuFIQjK8. (This could be making sure you have clean work clothes for the week to avoid creating undue stress later in the week.)
Are there things you should let go of or say “no” to?
What are some fun/ relaxing things you can do?
Here’s a good introduction to meditation to get started: https://youtu.be/mtsdz_jhB7c.
Work on bolstering your resilience! (Shout out to our CASA Volunteers who made this journey with us!)
If you’d like guidance making these plans, exploring your resilience, and learning strategies, consider finding a counselor: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself permission to not be perfect, mess up, and give grace.
"No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough. It's going to bed at night thinking, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn't change the truth that I am also very brave and worthy of love and belonging."—Brene Brown