Normalizing Self-Care: Tips for Self-Care
LaConti Bryant, Ed.D. @LaContiBryant
@LaContiBryant
The term self-care has been used a lot over the past few years, but even more since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-care is more than spending moments alone or just walking to clear our minds. Self-care is a concept that, at its core, is based on intentionality. What do I mean? Let us look at the definition of self-care. Self-care (also self-love) is intentionally making time to protect your mental acuity and physical well-bell being (Baity, 2022). In other words, each individual has to be about the business of taking care of themselves. I will offer three tips that have helped me protect my mental acuity and thrive in my personal space.
Positive Pauses
Positive pauses are moments when an individual stops and reflects on the things they are grateful for or reading affirmations. This is important because of the hustle and bustle of each day. Many individuals do not or cannot take the time to stop for those moments of reflection and affirmation. To help me remember to do this, I intentionally set the alarm on my phone twice a day, once in the morning and again in the late afternoon.
Boundaries
This one can be hard, but after reflecting on the people I have allowed in my life in the past, I knew I had to make some changes. First, I believe in being my authentic self without any reservations. Boundaries are expectations that individuals set up to protect their mental acuity and well-being (Baity, 2022).
Boundaries enable individuals to have high-quantity interactions that protect and enhance the feeling of well-being. Contrary, when the expectations are violated, interactions become limited or terminated. This has allowed me to create a place where I can thrive mentally and physically. Again, as indicated a couple of weeks ago, this is about protecting mental health and well-being.
Personal Time to Disconnect
My therapist had to work with me on this one. It was hard to disconnect and have personal time. The first assignment she gave me was to spend the day and do nothing. This made no sense to me because I was used to doing everything…even when I was burnt out and had nothing to give. Yeah, completely unhealthy mentally and physically. I had to choose one day a week to do absolutely nothing. I had to permit myself to relax. Well, I failed the first time. It lasted half a day before I threw on some clothes and looked for something to do.
Remember to be gentle with yourself and choose YOU.
Reference
Baity, C. (2022, July 29). Self-love is self-care. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/make-it-make-sense/202207/self-love-is-self-care#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20means%20intentionally%20devoting,and%20protecting%20your%20well%2Dbeing.
Positive Pauses
Positive pauses are moments when an individual stops and reflects on the things they are grateful for or reading affirmations. This is important because of the hustle and bustle of each day. Many individuals do not or cannot take the time to stop for those moments of reflection and affirmation. To help me remember to do this, I intentionally set the alarm on my phone twice a day, once in the morning and again in the late afternoon.
Boundaries
This one can be hard, but after reflecting on the people I have allowed in my life in the past, I knew I had to make some changes. First, I believe in being my authentic self without any reservations. Boundaries are expectations that individuals set up to protect their mental acuity and well-being (Baity, 2022).
Boundaries enable individuals to have high-quantity interactions that protect and enhance the feeling of well-being. Contrary, when the expectations are violated, interactions become limited or terminated. This has allowed me to create a place where I can thrive mentally and physically. Again, as indicated a couple of weeks ago, this is about protecting mental health and well-being.
Personal Time to Disconnect
My therapist had to work with me on this one. It was hard to disconnect and have personal time. The first assignment she gave me was to spend the day and do nothing. This made no sense to me because I was used to doing everything…even when I was burnt out and had nothing to give. Yeah, completely unhealthy mentally and physically. I had to choose one day a week to do absolutely nothing. I had to permit myself to relax. Well, I failed the first time. It lasted half a day before I threw on some clothes and looked for something to do.
Remember to be gentle with yourself and choose YOU.
Reference
Baity, C. (2022, July 29). Self-love is self-care. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/make-it-make-sense/202207/self-love-is-self-care#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20means%20intentionally%20devoting,and%20protecting%20your%20well%2Dbeing.