Learn what self-care really means and how you can incorporate it into your life. Have you ever wondered, “What is self-care?” It’s a myth that self-care is about treating yourself to manicures and spa days. Self-care is about so much more than that. It’s about how you take care of yourself every day so you feel nourished, healthy, and happy.

Self-care is a hot topic right now. I’m sure you’ve seen it discussed in magazines and trendy websites.

For most of us, though, self-care seems like a pipe dream. Sure, we’d all love to have self-care in our lives, but we don’t actually have time for it. We assume only rich, pampered women get to indulge in self-care, not busy Moms like us.

My friend, it is time to get rid of that awful myth.

Self-care isn’t only for the privileged. It’s for everyone! Actually, if you’re a mom, self-care is the most important thing you can do to become an even better mom!

Related Article: Why Self-Care Is the Single-Most Important Thing You Can Do To Be a Better Mom

What is Self-Care?

One of the purposes of my blog is to dispel the myth that self-care is about going for manicures and spa visits every month. That’s not self-care. That’s giving yourself a treat.

So what is self-care?

Self-Care is what you do EVERY DAY so you can feel your best and enjoy the life you deserve.

Self-care is about eating healthy so that you take care of your body. It’s about spending time doing things you enjoy so you feel happy. Self-care is even about enjoying your home so you’ll feel relaxed and happy about your space.

Self-care is about all taking care of yourself and the things that are important to you so you can enjoy your one precious, gorgeous life.

Related Article: The Happy Truth About Work-Life Balance You’ll Be Glad to Know

What Self-Care Really Is About

1. Self-Care is Ongoing. Self-care isn’t just something you do every six months. If you only exercised once every six months, it would just make you tired and cranky! You wouldn’t get the lasting benefits. It’s the same with self-care. To get the true benefits, you have to do it every day, throughout the day.

2. Self-care is about Building Habits. If you’re a busy Mom, you may not have time to shower let alone indulge in self-care. I have a secret to share! The best way to fit it into your life is to create habits. Once you created a habit around self-care, it happens almost effortlessly and you can reap the greatest benefits.

If you need help learning how to build a habit, click here to join my free class on how to build a habit that sticks.

3. Self-care is About the Little Things. Most often when you think about self-care, you think about a spa or a girl’s trip to the Bahamas. These types of things are TREATS, not self-care. Self-care is about the little things you do each day to nurture yourself. It’s about drinking enough water so you feel hydrated or going to bed when you feel tired. All these little things add up throughout the day to make you feel happy, healthy, and nurtured.

4. Self-care Takes Practice. The more you do self-care, the better you get at it! You’ll start noticing little things in your life that cause you to become out-of-balance, which you’ll start avoiding. You’ll also start noticing what makes you feel nourished and good. The more you do self-care, the better you’ll get at knowing yourself and what you need.

5. Self-care is About Every Aspect of Your Life. Self-care isn’t just about finding time for leisure. It’s about every aspect of your life that effects you. Examples of self-care include your relationships with others (especially your immediate family), your health, even your environment. If your house is a mess, how can you feel good about yourself? Everything that impacts you relates to self-care.

Self-Care Isn’t Superficial

Are you surprised that self-care has nothing to do with getting occasional manicures and everything to do with how you live your everyday life?

True self-care isn’t about superficial band-aids. It’s about what you do every day, throughout the day, to feel healthier, happier, and in balance. Self-care is much deeper than pampering. It’s about living your life in a way that brings you joy and good health.

Ironically, with the broader meaning of self-care, it actually becomes more doable.

You may never want to go to a spa and treat yourself to pampering. That’s okay, since that’s not true self-care. That’s a treat.

However, fixing your relationship with your spouse so you’re less stressed and have a happier home environment would bring you self-care.

Take Action!

If this article has been eye-opening for you, take some action!

Action: Think of one small aspect of your life that you could improve that would help you have better self-care.

Suggestions:

• Drink more water throughout the day
• Turn off all screens an hour before bed
• Clean your bedroom so it feels more peaceful
• Listen to soothing music throughout the day
• Go on a five-minute walk a few times a week

For more suggestions, join the free Balanced Working Mom’s Resource Library for a beautiful printable full of self-care suggestions.

 

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