Our motto is “self-care isn’t selfish - it’s essential.” It’s something I feel strongly about now, but I only really figured out what it meant recently. Taking care of our children, partners, friends, etc. comes so naturally, it’s instinctual. However, I know from experience that self-care needs to be learned. Most of us aren’t wired to instinctively know how to properly care for ourselves. Sure, we can get up and brush our teeth, eat breakfast -- but that isn’t the self-care we may truly need.
Self-care looks different for everyone, as it is so individualized. One person may need 30 minutes of quiet meditation time a day. Another person may need a vigorous run with Missy Elliott blasting. Figuring out exactly what we need though...that’s the hard part.
We, especially womxn, tend to think that taking “me” time is selfish. This time is taking away from time to care for children, work, clean, organize. We have been conditioned to feel this way. I mean, the guilt is real...right? It’s exhausting just thinking about it.
This week I got back to the yoga routine that I began at the beginning of quarantine. I had to take a break from it because I injured my foot. I also had to give up my alone walking time. These were two things that were giving me life during this dark and anxiety inducing time. Then, POOF, with a little slip, my foot was damaged and I was relegated to the indoors for many weeks. Getting back into my self-care routine has been hard! As I type this, I am sore, but I feel satisfied that I got my yoga on this morning.
For the last year or so, I’ve been on a journey to figure out what I want and need. Yoga, walking, reading time, gardening -- these all fit the bill for rejuvenating me. I also found peace in plant-based products. CBD and other forms of cannabis have helped to calm my constant anxiety (that has only been made worse in this time of Covid) and reconnect me with the creativity that I thought I’d lost.
I’m not an expert, we are all on this journey and it changes constantly. But, take some time today to think about what you need. It may be as simple as a hot bath (one of my OG self-care rituals) or a socially-distanced walk with a neighbor (one I've pleasantly discovered during quarantine).
Self-care looks different for everyone, as it is so individualized. One person may need 30 minutes of quiet meditation time a day. Another person may need a vigorous run with Missy Elliott blasting. Figuring out exactly what we need though...that’s the hard part.
We, especially womxn, tend to think that taking “me” time is selfish. This time is taking away from time to care for children, work, clean, organize. We have been conditioned to feel this way. I mean, the guilt is real...right? It’s exhausting just thinking about it.
This week I got back to the yoga routine that I began at the beginning of quarantine. I had to take a break from it because I injured my foot. I also had to give up my alone walking time. These were two things that were giving me life during this dark and anxiety inducing time. Then, POOF, with a little slip, my foot was damaged and I was relegated to the indoors for many weeks. Getting back into my self-care routine has been hard! As I type this, I am sore, but I feel satisfied that I got my yoga on this morning.
For the last year or so, I’ve been on a journey to figure out what I want and need. Yoga, walking, reading time, gardening -- these all fit the bill for rejuvenating me. I also found peace in plant-based products. CBD and other forms of cannabis have helped to calm my constant anxiety (that has only been made worse in this time of Covid) and reconnect me with the creativity that I thought I’d lost.
I’m not an expert, we are all on this journey and it changes constantly. But, take some time today to think about what you need. It may be as simple as a hot bath (one of my OG self-care rituals) or a socially-distanced walk with a neighbor (one I've pleasantly discovered during quarantine).
Discovering your needs and making time for them is so very important for our mental health and over all well being. As a Latina in her 50’s I am discovering my needs and enjoying my self care.
Leave a comment