Love Yourself: The Importance Behind Practicing Self-Care

Most of us have all heard this phrase at least once or twice in our lifetime, “no one is going to take care of you as good you can.” However, do we actually take the time out on a consistent basis to take care of ourselves?

I know I don’t, so don’t feel too bad. We can get through this… with consistent practice.

It can be difficult because of all of the daily tasks that we are bombarded with; it can feel like a chore to fit another ritual into our already busy schedule. Some of us may lack quiet space within our own homes, filling up free time with our phones, or taking a nap any free moment we come across.

It is important to remember that this is necessary for our mental health as well as our physical health. The more we take care of ourselves mentally it can help improve any underlying issues that we have allowed to take up space in our mind. Through this process, we will be able to find that most of the smaller issues that we’ve been thinking about are the reasons for the bigger issues we have in our lives.

Personally, I have been on my own self-care journey, and I’m no professional, but I do want to share some tips on how I take care of myself despite my busy schedule (or me being lazy, lol).

1. Meditate

If you use any music streaming service (i.e. Pandora, Spotify, SoundCloud, etc.), add a meditating station, this way you can have some me time on the go as well. All you need is some noise canceling headphones, and you can feel Zen on your train ride to/from work.

2. Go for a walk.

This for me is very hard because I could easily spend 2+ hours browsing through Snapchat and Instagram. However, what has worked for me is just getting dressed and putting a bit of makeup on which puts me in the mood to go outside.

3. Talk through your issues.

Have someone or something that you can vent your feelings to. Sometimes ideas/issues can circulate through my mind until it ends up not making sense. We need that outlet to bounce our thoughts off of so we don’t get too much into our own heads. When I don’t have someone to talk to, I Periscope. Although I don’t have many followers that care too much about what I’m saying, for me that actually ends up being a good thing because it’s like venting to myself — also, I’m able to play it back which is another plus.

4. Take personal risks.

I’m not talking about huge risks like jumping out of a plane… unless you want to, that is. What I’m saying is more like try to start small and personal; if you are someone who isn’t photogenic, get dressed, pack your camera, grab a friend, and head to your nearest park or beach and take photos. It helps to try out different poses and find your light. By doing this, you get to see yourself for who you are and recognize out your real beauty.

5. Take a personal day.

This is important and feels so good as well. Take time for yourself to get your new hair, nails, a facial, or your feet done; this puts into perspective the notion that you come first, and everything else is second (unless you have kids, but even when you have kids.) So often I have spoken to people who give so much of themselves to others and do little for themselves. So put your phone on do not disturb, kick up your feet, turn on your favorite tunes, and take a load off… You deserve it!

6. Spoil yourself.

Have you seen a pair of shoes you liked? A bag? A cute pair of earrings or sandals? This one I would advise you to use your own discretion and buy within your means when “spoiling yourself.” But yes.. Spoil yourself, go out and buy something you wouldn’t usually buy daily because you deserve it. Go into a store that you would not go into a pick something that suits your body and makes you feel 100 percent confidence.

7. Wear a bright lipstick.

For those days when you are feeling less than, try and brighten up yourself by wearing the brightest lipstick that you have in your possession. For me is Elf Matte Red Lipstick because it gives me a sense of added fierceness when I struggle to find that on some days.

We have to remember self-care is important and if we cannot take care of ourselves, how can we be there for our loved ones? I too struggle with self-care but this year I have made it my mission to take care of me first, and I have been much better because of it. So take care of yourself, you are all you have!