We’ve heard the motto, “Self-Care Isn’t Selfish” and it isn’t. Consider where we’ve adopted this mindset. We live in a society that is based on individualism and productivity. This way of living has its benefits but it doesn’t prioritize the values of community and team work nor does it leave space for healthy boundaries or provide permission for allowing self-care. Culturally, we also have been forced to adapt to historical systems of racism that have redefined our conceptualizations of strength and the need for survival.
August is wellness month and therefore a perfect time to reflect on our own personal definitions and practices of self-care. Consider the following in creating or maintaining your commitment to self-care.
1. Acknowledge what has defined our understanding of self-care. Reflect on both societal and cultural messaging that impact our understanding. Acknowledge how historical, generational and institutional forms of racism have influenced how we understand and define self-care.
2. Give yourself permission. Allow yourself the permission to engage in self-care. Regard it not as being selfish, lazy or a luxury. But see it for what it is, not as optional, but mandatory.
3. Understand the short term and long term impacts of not engaging in self-care. Research shows us that stress can have negative consequences on our emotional and physical health if we do not engage in intentional practices of stress reduction. Let’s not be willing participants in shortening our lives and becoming susceptible to illness and other health consequences.
4. Recognize your own blocks to committing to self-care. What gets in your way of committing to self-care? What do you need to let go of in order to embrace a life that prioritizes self-care?
5. Be intentional. Schedule in time for self-care and do not back out. When the time arrives for your chosen self-care activity, do not prioritize anything over it. Do not prioritize anything over you. Value yourself enough to spend time taking care of yourself and your overall health.
6. Self-Care isn’t Optional.