When was the last time you had a day of self-care? A genuine day to yourself where you focused solely on your peace, mental health, and overall well-being? Maybe you can't get a full day (and that's okay), but when was the last time you took any time for yourself? However long it may be, self-care is important, and it is not at all selfish.
We are able to give our best selves to others when we are our best selves - and we cannot be our best selves if we don't take time to properly care for our minds, spirits, and hearts.
So how do we do that?
Well, it looks different for everyone. There is no one-way to self-care because everyone is unique, and everyone has different needs.
But here are just a few ways you can self-care:
Journal - whatever, whenever. Grab a blank journal and write down how you're feeling or how life has been going for you. Write letters to God or even a loved one that's passed away - maybe you never got the chance to tell them something. Write dreams, visions, passions, desires. Write whatever you'd like - it's therapeutic. And months and years down the line, you'll be able to look at old entries and see growth.
Prayer - This is the best way to self-care. Direct conversation with the God. When we open up to God, we invite him into our lives instead of trying to handle everything on our own. Do you have a relationship with God? If not, why not begin one now? Do you know who Jesus Christ is? If so, you already have the amazing privilege of relationship with Him- if not, begin to learn who he is today (better late than never!). Praying doesn't have to be complicated - simply have a conversation with God. Tell him how you feel or what's been on your mind lately. Maybe thank him for what he's done in your life. Praying is personal and should be done intimately, alone as often as you can. Praying with others is great too, but you need that alone time with God for his healing and refreshing and so that he can speak to you.
Physical Self-Care - This can be anything from going on a walk to having a full work out, to taking care of your skin. Have yourself a spa-day - take a nice steamy shower or warm bath and just simply relax - let your worries melt away. Self-care in this way can be a great way to jump start a day or even help you to un-wind after a long day.
Work on your hobby - by work I mean just do. A hobby shouldn't feel like work, it should feel like fun! Do you have something you like to do that simply brings you a sense of enjoyment? Whatever it is, make sure you take time for it. If you don't have a hobby, why not start now? What's something you love to do, or maybe something someone told you that you're good at? Hobbies are unique and there are no rules or special instructions for them - whatever you like to do, do it. Don't wait around for perfect conditions, there may never be any.
As you can see, self-care isn't selfish, it's much needed. There's a lot more that can be added to the list, but these are just some general ideas. May this be an inspiration to help you begin to take much needed time for yourself, so that you can be your best self for others.
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