One of my favourite writers, Gretchen Rubin, once wrote about how doing good to others can make you feel good. She also wrote that to do good to others you’ve first got to feel good yourself. Self care is a hot topic in today’s ever changing world and it’s something I’ve been considering a lot lately.
We often think we are taking care of ourselves by squeezing in a few minutes here and there to watch a movie, have a bath or sit with a cuppa. The problem is these mini snapshots of self care aren’t planned for and we don’t get to embrace them fully. Being a working woman and mum to a whirlwind of a toddler I often spend my last dregs of energy doing the ironing or picking up the toys I find in every room of the house. But it has become increasingly important during these past few months that we need to look after ourselves. Our mental health is vital in being able to cope with the constant change of our lives and to make sure we can be there for others in the way they need us.
Self care is the ideal way of helping us recoup, restore and re-energise. It gives us time to learn about ourselves and what we actually enjoy doing. It doesn’t have to be elaborate it can be the simple things but it is important to plan it into our busy lives. By all means make the most of impromptu self care moments that crop up throughout your week but also make sure you plan in times where you can be you. Do the things you love and enjoy and the things that make you feel happy and at peace. It might be painting your nails, cooking your favourite meal, taking a nap, listening to your favourite music or taking time to write down the things you are grateful for. It really doesn’t matter what it is or how big or small it is but doing what makes you happy and thinking about yourself can make a world of difference so give it a go.
I’ve recently celebrated my birthday and when asked by my family what I would like, i thought carefully about what would really help me be me and make me feel happy. From a favourite perfume to breathe in as I take 5 minutes to a new speaker to listen to my favourite feel good tunes on… it doesn’t really matter what you get as long as these things are things you enjoy and can self-indulge in when you take your planned self care moments.
Self care isn’t selfish. I’m going to say that again, just in case you needed to hear it again. Self care ISN’T selfish. It’s 100% necessary. Look after yourself because you are the only person who actually can. Do the little things that make you ‘feel like you’ and embrace it. You will still have time to wash up the dishes and play peak-a-boo for the hundredth time but you’ll do it feeling calmer, happier and more at peace. So go and enjoy some time for you, doing you!
Being Mum, Being Me 