What IS “Self-Care”?

There are many mental illness caregiver websites that talk about the importance of self-care when you are playing the role of a caregiver.

But what the heck does that mean?

In one of my recent blog posts, I shared the importance of caregivers caring for themselves. Because, after all, we can’t care for others if we aren’t caring for ourselves. But what does that actually mean and what does that actually look like? I used to think it was getting a massage or having a glass of wine or a warm bath. But, really it is so much more than that.

Self-care is all about self-love.

As I continue to learn more about my own self-love, I am finding new ways to demonstrate love to myself. Self-love is all about taking the time out for yourself. This means caring for your physical and mental wellbeing. It also means making sure that you keep your own doctor appointments and personal commitments. It means scheduling time to do the things that you enjoy either alone or with loved ones. It is about taking just a few minutes every day to recharge yourself and eliminating any guilt or feelings of selfishness that may surface for doing so. That is self-love.

This also means getting help in the form of a therapist or counselor if needed. Through talking with a professional, we can become more self-aware and receive the support we need.

Here are some other self-care ideas:
• Move your body.
• Get enough sleep.
• Set boundaries for yourself with others.
• Put on some great music and just dance!
• Buy yourself a fresh bouquet of flowers just because.
• Go for a walk in the woods.
• Take a nap.
• Bake something fun and share it with others.
• Write a love letter to yourself.
• Call someone you love and just connect with them.
• Perform a totally random act of kindness for a stranger.
• Try something new.

Finally, consider finding a creative outlet that you really love. I know that I get a lot of energy from throwing clay on the pottery wheel. There is something about having my hands in soft clay that truly just fulfills me. Finding something that you thoroughly enjoy will also help you make that time for yourself to get what you need so that you can realize balance in your own life.

So, what is one thing that you can do today to show yourself self-love?