Finding a Route to Self Care … Without the Guilt

While it’s a relatively new term, it’s not a new concept. Self care is how we describe, and sometimes joke about, the moments we have to carve out for ourselves to gain or maintain any level of calmness, self worth and sanity!

It can mean completely different things for every single person. It can be vacations and spa treatments, but it can ALSO be a jog around the block and a mud mask in your own bathtub. Contrary to what some may think, it’s not something that only the wealthiest get to enjoy.

There is also a misconception that self care is somehow selfish or greedy, that it’s time taken for yourself when you should be doing something else. And most of the time this is felt by us, not our loved ones. We talk ourselves out of self care all the time…

“I’ll read that book next month.”
“I just don’t have time to exercise.”
“I don’t want to spend any money on myself.”
“I need to clean while the baby is asleep.”

It’s a constant struggle that so many of us are dealing with every day. We are often the “managers” of our household and family, yet we don’t consider time for ourselves when highlighting the monthly calendar. Everyone’s needs and wants are ahead of our own.

But, what if you eliminated one factor in the list of reasons for deferring self care? What if your self care for this week (or this month) didn’t cost a penny?

While I know it’s easier said than done, I encourage you to try one of these FREE self care ideas and drop the personal guilt trip:

~Turn on some of your favorite music and sing along–and dance if you want to! (my personal favorite!)

~Watch funny cat videos on YouTube and laugh your butt off!

~Sit on your back porch with a cup of coffee or tea BY YOURSELF for 10 minutes.

~Go outside and walk, run, ride a bike, skip, jump, or simply sit in the grass and look at the sky.

~Cut up whatever fruit you have in the fridge and put a few pieces in a large glass of water to sip throughout the day. (A sweet treat that makes your body feel good!)

~Veg out on the couch and watch your favorite show when the kids are asleep.

~Google “homemade facial masks” and create one with ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

~Do a 3-minute meditation before you start your day.

~Send an email or text to a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.

~Pour yourself a glass of wine and get lost watching your favorite blogger’s videos. 😉

There are a million more things you could add to this list. It really just matters that you make a list. One that is tailored to your needs and gives you some kind of sanity break amidst this chaotic life.

It’s not selfish. It’s not greedy. It’s not wasteful. It’s necessary.

Love (others and yourself) more,

Dana