When you hear the phrase “self-care” what comes to mind?
“Oh, I don’t have time for that…”
“I don’t know that that is…” or
“Self-care is really selfish and self-indulging…”.
Self-care is neither selfish or something that needs to consume a lot of your time.
The Oxford dictionary defines self-care as “ the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health or … the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress”. Self-care is about preserving our own well-being so we can effectively manage our stresses.
I like to encourage people to think of self-care like the oxygen masks on an airplane. Stick with me, I’ll explain.
When a plane is in the process of taking off, we are normally instructed on proper safety procedures. These instructions explain that in case of an emergency, when oxygen masks are deployed, the passengers are to put their oxygen mask on first before trying to help others.
As a parent this can seem backwards, because I might want to make sure my kids have what they need. However, when the oxygen pressure in the plane changes, it is important to put your mask on first, so you don’t pass out while trying to help your kids. Makes sense!
Well, self-care is like being in the plane and putting on your oxygen mask first. We need to take time to improve our own health to be able to help those around us.
What can I do
- Identify
First identify what self-care areas you need to work on. You are the only person who gets to decide this! Do you need to practice improving your health – mentality, physical, socially, or spiritually?
2. Explore
Next, explore what actions are within your means to work on this area of self-care.
For example:
- physical health can I add one small change to help me feel good physically. Add one vegetable to my lunch or go for a 5 minute walk around the neighbourhood?
- mental health – can I add 5 minutes of relaxation and breathing to my schedule or to go to sleep 10 minutes earlier than normal (to try and get the recommended amount of sleep)?
- Spiritual – can I take time to pray and mediate on spiritual truths, or can I attend a church?
3. Take Action
It is very important that self-care is about actions you choose to improve your health so you can better manage your stress. Focus on one small step and keep building. When we invest in self-care we can notice benefits in our energy, productive and possibly in our ability to relate and connect to others.
Take this moment for you!
