Maybe, you do not view self-care as priority. You are swamped because of other peoples’ needs, or your career, or to-do lists, or just life stuff. But still you feel something in your life is missing. It could be real physical self-care that you need.
Self-Care is not Selfish
Not very long ago I wrote about a phrase that was an epiphany for me. I think it is very appropriate for talking about self-care. “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
As children we were brought up with the notion that being selfish is wrong. So we think if you put your own needs and wants before the needs of others it is sinful. Likely we also follow the example of our families. We probably should not be surprised that we grow up putting others’ needs first even at the expense of our own worth and well-being.
What if we change the way we look at things. What if we change the way we think of self-care as being purely selfish. Instead, realize that you must care for yourself or you won’t be able to care for others. When self-care becomes a priority, you can became much happier, balanced, and self-assured. Plus, you quickly see that caring for yourself and caring for others can be harmonious and can contribute to your self-esteem.
As we discussed last week there are many kinds of self-care. You may need to concentrate in one area or more than one. This article will cover a few ideas to improve our physical self-care.
Physical Self-Care Basics
Physical self-care involves activities that keep your body in good working condition. Without physical self-care all other self-care activities are certainly less effective. If you are ill, dehydrated, in pain, or exhausted, meditation is not going to help you. Just like learning the alphabet enables you to read, physical self care enables you to be successful in other areas of self care. It is a necessity not a luxury.
Physical self-care includes how you’re fueling your body, how much sleep you’re getting, how much physical activity you are doing, and how well you’re caring for your physical needs. Also, attending healthcare appointments, taking medication as prescribed, and managing your health are all part of good self-care.
Physical Self-Care Practices
- Eat well
- Exercise
- Make and keep medical appointments
- Get outside
- Drink water
- Practice good sleep habits
- Have a cup of tea
- Sunshine
- Take a shower or bath
- Practice what you preach
Care of others might feel more natural, but self-care especially physical self-care is just as important. It may be even more important. So do a self-check by asking yourself, am I doing for myself everything I would advise someone else to do for themselves. If you are great! If not then some adjustments are in order. Do physical self-care for yourself, to be better able to care for others, and to be example to others.
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