Though I am rather skeptical with the whole astrology thing, I find one thing quite resonate with me. This meme right here, describes me.
I love self-care. But before I understand the true meaning of self-care, I used to think that self-care is about treating myself something. Whenever I have bad days, I would go somewhere and treat myself a nice meal, nice shoes, a travel here and there. When done in the right amount, it's fine but when it's excessive, it's not. With that being the standard of self-care, there were repercussions.
So, I ventured on a journey learning about the actual self-care. It took me a while to learn that self-care is continous work. It's not just one time visit to a spa or to a cafe whenever I have bad mood. It's about making improvements in my life; slow and steady. Yes, it's work but it's worth it.
Today is the day I am reflecting to it again. Lately, I am back to the ignorant younger version of me who thinks self care is going outside the house and visit a cafe or having a spa day. Then, I would come home and neglect other important aspect in my life such as sleep and nutrition. No wonder I feel like crap lately.
The current environment I am living is already chaotic and I was making it worse by not caring about my own self-care. I failed to set boundaries with the people there that resulted in my poor quality of life.
Today, I was also reminded by an advice from a dear friend Z, she told me this " First thing say, "Brain, it's okay. Stop freaking out. I'll take better care of you. We'll take the meds properly and we'll get a little extra sleep if you want it.And I'll make sure you're getting more protein and less sugar. It will be okay."
That advice is something that I use as a baseline to know if I am doing well in life. If I start consuming more sugar, eating too little protein, having less sleep, not taking my meds, something is really wrong.
While reading Dune, I realized that lately, life has been more chaotic. I have no form of self-care, nonexistent schedule and I let the environment defines me. This prompt me to start an actual self-care again. The first step is by getting a proper sleep schedule.
How do you define self-care?
Let me know in the comment section!
Great book, great post.
It sparks an interesting conversation, because "self-care" sounds like a 'thing' that we can put a name to and know how it looks, but since there about 8 billion unique 'selves' in the world, there will be 8 billion different kinds of self-care.
Proper self-care for one, could be a toxic environment for others. Some people thrive in challenge and pressure, it brings out their best, others need peace, calm, and zen. Some people go back and forth depending on the time/space.
And so, self-care becomes a wonderful thing to recommend to others, but also an impractical one. The only person who knows how to properly care for ourselves...is our...selves.
That doesn't mean we can't get ideas and inspiration from others, but as you said at the start of your post, that can easily lead to the 'wrong' thing for us (treating ourselves, perhaps), so only committed experimentation and introspection will do the trick.
Anyway, glad you found a 'baseline' that works for you, thanks for making me think.
Exactly. And I am glad that I help you think about self-care and maybe find the baseline for yourself.
Thank you! :)
Dune caught my attention. :)
Well its great you're being self reflective.
Self-care for me is attending to myself like I would do for a loved one.
You know, getting clean and good clothes, eating right, doing exercises, taking a walk, reading a book, having a chat, playing games, spending less and less time with screes, etc.
This is my non exhaustive list 😁
Self-reflection is an important thing to do. I think that's how you learn from mistakes and improve your life. I agree with spending less time with screens, I think I spend way too much on it.
Understandably. You have a lot of work on your hands.
Haha going to a cafe and not thinking about proper nutrition, that's me. XD
Self care to me is opening Shopee and adding something to cart. 😌 Not necessarily buying tho hahaha.
Yeah I think fixing your sleep is first step.
Adding many stuff to cart without buying, that's me :D
I did this before but it's hard to only keep them on the cart 😅 I always want to buy them right away. I think today I managed to fix my sleep, went to bed early and productive.
Haha they say before you buy something, wait for 2 weeks before finally deciding, by then you'll be sure of your decision (if it's just a want). Always effective for me cos I end up not buying haha. Continue with your healthy sleep sched so your body will get used to it :D
I haven't tried that trick in a while, now let me try with the espresso machine and decide, if it's a want or need :D
Self-care for me: training my body regularly, drinking water, breathing consciously for at least an hour every day, eating delicious food without overindulgence, good sleep, artistic creation and lots of silence.
Semi-off topic: I recently finished the entire "Dune" series twice in a row, I'd never done that before with any series, much less one as complex and long as that one. It was one of the most fascinating and profound experiences I've ever had. I may start writing a full review for the Hive Book Club, Mac! Nice post this one!
Please write a review about it. I haven't had the time to continue reading it. I don't mind a spoiler too 😄 also, that's a nice list of self-care.
Your post has been voted as a part of Encouragement program. Keep up the good work!
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