Practicing Self Care

Miriam Iwrey is a social worker with 20+ years of experience. You can find out more about her at New Achievements Elite Coaching.

How many times have you asked yourself – is it selfish to practice self care?

Personally, I don’t think so. I am a firm believer that if we don’t practice self-care, we are not truly caring for anyone else as the vessel is empty.

How to practice self care?

1. Let go of the guilt that self care is selfish.

2. Talk gently. Both, our words and how we talk to ourselves are powerful.

3. Be compassionate. Treat yourself like a best friend.

4. Let go of the need to have everything perfect. All families are different… embrace your family with all its foibles, nonsense and just love.

5. Laugh. Laughter just lightens up the mood.

6. Take time out for you. Get a good book, color, buy a journal and good pen and create a space to just be.

7. Breathe. Notice how many times breath is being held or breath is shallow. Allow for deep breaths.

8. Do something special. Manicure, pedicure, visit to the art museum, take in a concert, take in a movie. Don’t make excuses. Just do it.

9. Allow others to help out with meal planning, setting the table, serving, clearing the table, washing and putting away. Make it a family affair with everyone pitching in. Being the martyr is lost on everyone.

10. Be grateful. There are many blessings; roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our back. It is not the big stuff that matters. It really is about the little stuff.

11. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is important as it regenerates.

12. Drink water. Spice the water up with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime.

13. Engage in some type of physical activity. Take a walk. Hit the gym. Explore your neighborhood. Plan a workout with friends.

14. Be silly. Do something goofy. Dance in the grocery store. Or in your kitchen if you prefer.

15. Be comfortable saying no.

16. Say “I love you” to yourself.

Self care is important. Self care is not selfish. Self care is filling the vessel.