How do you define self-care? And why is your answer to this seemingly simple question so important?
With the abundance of articles, opinions, and products that focus on self-care, it can be so easy to practice activities that don’t serve us. We base our habits around what we think we should be doing. These self-imposed feelings of obligation drive us to attend yoga class when we prefer walks in nature, read books that don’t interest us, and so on.
The key to maximizing your self-care routine? Tailor it to your definition of self-care. Not someone else’s!
My self-care routine looks different from those around me — and can change from one day to another. I define self-care in many ways, which allows me to meet my own needs in real-time. For example, some days I want to treat myself to a great meal with an exceptional glass of wine. Other days, the most renewing activities for me could be a walk with a girlfriend, a fresh mani/pedi, or hanging out on the couch watching a movie with my kiddo.
One thing that is consistent among all of these activities is that they are things I love doing. I don’t do any of the above out of feelings of obligation or social pressure. My self-care routine reflects what I value, and what I need at that moment.
Want your self-care routine to reflect your authentic self? Discover five truths that can help you achieve this goal.
Your self-care routine can (and should!) change
As I mentioned above, it is 100% ok for your self-care activities to change by the day. While consistency is crucial for many facets of life, it isn’t necessary for you to do the exact same self-care activities every single day.
Why? Your needs shift depending on the day, week, and season. Additionally, there are some self-care activities that can only be practiced at certain times of the year. For example, in the summertime, you may enjoy swimming laps at your neighborhood pool every morning. However, during the chilly months of the year, you’ll be more likely to visit the gym or an indoor fitness class.
Accept that a changing self-care routine is valuable and necessary! Do what feels good to you in the moment to best meet your needs.
There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to care for yourself
Similar to the last point, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to practice self-care. Instead, it’s all about what you need on any given day.
This is an especially important truth to internalize for perfectionists. If you’ve turned your self-care routine into a rigid practice that feels more like a competition than a time of restoration, it is definitely time to ease up on yourself.
There’s no place for comparison in self-care
Do you ever find yourself comparing your self-care activities/habits to the ones that others have adopted? If so, stop the comparison game right now!
Unhealthy comparison has long been identified as a thief of joy and confidence. In the realm of self-care, this is especially true. To maximize your “you” time, focus on your needs and desires — not what you think you “should” be doing based on the activities of others.
One of the biggest drivers of this habit is social media. Even the most well-meaning of pages can push us to feelings of inadequacy. Photos of perfectly executed yoga poses, immaculately laid out bubble baths, and the like can make us feel like our self-care isn’t up to an acceptable standard.
The truth? Your one hour couch nap — filled with snoring, messy hair, and mismatching sweats — is just as perfect as those pictures. When an activity helps you feel like your best self, don’t compare it to what you see online. Your routine doesn’t have to look like the cover of a magazine to be valuable, restorative, and healthy. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s!
Self-care does not = perfect health habits!
Another common misconception that people have about self-care is that all activities should be ultra health-conscious. While it is important to strive for healthy habits, there is no room for perfectionism in your self-care routine!
As I mentioned earlier, I love enjoying a glass of wine with a delicious meal and consider that to be part of my self-care routine. Notice I didn’t say that I only ever drink water with all of my meals! Life is about balance, not perfection. Trying to care for yourself by denying all pleasure isn’t sustainable. Mix in the occasional glass of wine or cocktail (if you drink), chocolate treat, or lazy day at home.
You deserve to feel your best
Finally, one of the last truths that too many people do not internalize is their worthiness. Old scripts that were created as a result of bullying, trauma, and abuse can leave individuals feeling like they are not worth the time and expense of an effective self-care routine.
Let’s squash this negative belief right here and now. You are worthy of love and care! You are worth every dime that you spend on nourishing foods, books, bath products, fitness classes, and all other items that help you feel your best. You are also worth the time that it takes to fully restore your mind, body, and spirit.
Looking to jump start your self-care routine? One of my favorite ways to do so is through regular food “resets.” If you’re not familiar with the concept, grab your 21-Day Reset kit and join my group for the next session!
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
