Self care for some can sound like one of those buzz words that sounds all well and good in principle, but highly unachievable. One of the main reasons for this is because that some actions that are described as self care are not possible for the everyday woman.
I honestly wish that I had time to meditate for an hour, drink a green smoothie laced with unicorn hair or even burn incense that has been dipped in gold, but the reality is with everything that constitutes a busy life, women in the real world don’t have that luxury. The real crux of the matter is that self care is different for everybody and maybe in another life before having a child long stretches of time to myself would be possible. In fact, I’m not particularly great at meditating, but always feel better afterward. For me, a couple of times a week for 5 minutes with my Insight Timer app is doable, but anything more feels like another thing on the to-do list to cross off. Like the majority of women out there we don’t have enough time to ourselves, which means to make self care a regular part of routine we need to make it work for us the best way we can that suits our lifestyle.
The ideology of self care is about making space for you in your day where you are the priority. This can be doing anything that can bring more joy and bliss in your life to help fill your cup back up and making sure your needs are met, however, it has become overcomplicated and feels out of reach. It’s not at all about the spa days or holidays, which are both great, but let’s be honest unless you have a massive bank balance these aren’t going to be a frequent occurrence.
With that said, self care isn’t about the big gestures, but small actions that you can slot into your every day like the simple act of taking a deep breath, realising your own limits, saying no, buying yourself some flowers, watching your favourite TV show, going for a walk – it can take on many forms depending on the individual. At the moment self care for me is getting up before my 3-year-old and reading my book while sipping my warm lemon water. Not particularly glamorous, that’s granted, but I really enjoy the time to myself and the quiet of the house early in the morning. This is something that’s achievable for me every single day and it adds a sense of comfort and happiness to my life because I enjoy it. Plus, it also means that I’m working towards my intention of reading more this year.
Additionally, I think it’s important to note that as our routines change and as we evolve, we must honour and embrace it because it means that our self care practices will also change to suit. Making your self care flexible with change is another realistic way of looking at how it’s going to fit into your life. A lot of the self-help books that I’ve read about self care make the assumption that our lives are going to remain the same and we’re going to be able to maintain a structured self care routine. This simply isn’t practical and perhaps another reason so many feel that self care is unachievable.
At the end of the day, self care is what you make it and as long as your needs are being met, that’s all that really counts, and ultimately means you’re on the right path.
Self care for me is when I get to enjoy a bath in peace without a toddler x
That sounds just perfect.
Sometimes I feel that I just don’t have enough time but I make sure that I work really hard some days to cover for making time for myself on other days x
It’s great that you make a conscious effort to carve some time into your day for yourself.
Self care is so important, yet so often overlooked. I think we can be overwhelmed, and all too easily think that our goals for self care cannot be achieved, because they seem impossible; thus we neglect the more reachable things. All too common for me, I wish for a moment on a boat on Loch Lomond, with darjeeling and my book. The reality is more like having a quiet bath, painting my nails and then having the tea while probably sorting some laundry out. I think appreciating the little things is vital, and taking adventage of any self care we can muster.
So true Jen. It’s the little things that make self care all that possible.
I struggle finding time for myself, with a 9 to 5 job and a blog to manage. I find that most of the times, for my self-care moments, I just enjoy taking a long bath with bubbles, where I just soak in and look at photos on Instagram.
If it makes you happy and relaxed then it’s most certainly self care.
It does not seem achievable atm in the bath or time out sense but then I am not great at time out so i am currently giving myself time to focus on taking my business I a new direction. That way I get to be creative I have head space away from family stuff and zero guilt about me time. Probably not self care in the strictest sense but it is working for me atm
Being creative is definitely a form of self care – a way of indulging your passions and joy.
Sometimes it’s hard to find time for self care but for me, it’s a nice big bubbly bath and some time to read my book.
You can’t beat a big bubble bath. 🙂
Omg yes! I love this so much! 🙂 When I was younger I was always too busy for self-care – then I got Lyme disease and it was self-care practices such as meditation, writing a gratitude journal and allowing myself to rest (without feeling guilty) that got me through! Now, I’m always super mindful to always take time for myself – and like you, I love the quiet stillness of the morning, before everyone else wakes up! xx
Self-care is so important but it’s so easy to let it slide too isn’t it. I know when I get super busy it’s the first thing dropped. This year I want to work on having more self care time, even if it’s just having a hot bubble bath or a hot chocolate and a book.
It’s so easy to forget about ourselves, but so important to remember that we matter too.
Self care is so important. Even just 5 minutes break to have s bath alone is bliss 😂
It’s all about those little things.
Self care for me is when I have time to wash and dried my hair in the same day
Yes to this, I find it a struggle too.
Self care for me is taking time for myself to appreciate the silence, put on a face mask, take a bath. I try to have at least half hour of me time everyday
It’s great that you make time for yourself before the rest of the family wakes up. As you say, self-care is all about small gestures for yourself, it doesn’t have to take up lots of time/money etc!
Absolutely. It can take on many different forms that suits your lifestyle at any given time.
I think of self-care as an ever-evolving part of my lifestyle. In my early 20’s self-care was going out with my friends for a nice chatty brunch. Now in my mid 30’s it’s all about carving out even 20 minutes on the train to listen to a Podcast or some of my favourite songs or even to catch up with my favourite YouTube channels. It’s all about being able to transport yourself to another place at times when meditating isn’t an option.
I love this. Evolving self care is the key as what suited you at one time may not work for you now.
I’m all about self care- even if its just grabbing an extra ten minutes in the shower and some meditation xxx
I love this post, I think people forget about self care and how important it really is. To me it’s lying in bed and watching tv, just chilling out! Or a nice long shower 🙂
Love this! I am a mama of six children and self care is something I aim for every single day. A happier me is a better mummy and wife!
Thank you for your wise words of encouragement and some fab new tips!
Love Catherine x
Aww thank you for your lovely comment Catherine. 🙂