Happy new year! Made any resolutions yet? Chances are, if you’re anything like the rest of us, you have- even if somewhat secretly! And we’re willing to bet that on your list is at least ONE promise to yourself to spend a little more time and energy on doing things that you love… are we right? Otherwise known as self care (which can look so different from person to person, by the way. There is no right or wrong way to do it!), these are special promises we make to ourselves to be a little kinder and show more compassionate towards ourselves. So why do we find it so hard to carry them out beyond January? Here are three little tips to help you on your journey towards self care in 2020…
Don’t judge your needs by the needs of others
You are walking your own path through life, and it is YOU who chooses the direction you take and how you choose to approach the obstacles that appear. Your own self care needs will vary hugely compared to friends and family, so don’t feel you need to splash out on expensive massages in order to feel that you’re practicing self care. It doesn’t work like that.
Self care simply means taking care of yourself, putting your own needs first now and then and ensuring you protect your own emotional wellbeing. That might be simply getting an early night once a week. It might be taking a day at the spa once a month. It might even be paying your bills on time, so that you maintain control over your finances. Whatever your personal situation, only you will know what practises you can put in to place in order to feel cared for.
Know your own worth
It can be easy to wade through life and never really open your eyes to the way that you treat yourself. The inner voice that criticises and chastises. The way that you feel guilt, shame and disappointment. The next time that you feel undeserving of a little self care, remember that you are your own number one fan. Treat yourself the way you would treat a best friend. Be kind, show tolerance and compassion. Know your own worth- you DO deserve some TLC now and then.
Keep it simple
If fancy spa days are your thing, then go for it. But if you’re struggling to think of ways that you can practise self care, then maybe you’re overthinking it a little. Keep it simple. Smile at your reflection in the mirror every day. Get up five minutes early so that you have a little extra time to drink a hot cup of coffee. Walk instead of driving so that you can breath the fresh air. If you need to, make a list of the things that make you feel happy and alive, and start there. For some of us, finally taking care of ourselves can be a slow process, so don’t rush it. Keep it simple and remember that you’re doing this for you.
