Laura

Self-care Sunday ✨

Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

Self-care.

In a world where there are so many things that need to get done, and limited time to do them, self-care always takes a backseat, unfortunately.

Why do I say it’s on my “to-do list” then, as if it’s a chore? Self-care should never feel like a chore, right?

Because if I don’t practice self-care, I’ll go absolutely mad.

It is a necessity that if neglected for too long, can turn your life upside down. Your mental health depends on self-care.

Remember, self-care is NOT selfish!

It is essential to our healing and growth, and it also is a good way to reduce or eliminate stress.

Without you taking care of yourself – the job, the car, the school, the kids, whatever it is YOU have going on – is dust – if you’re no longer around for those occurrences or people in your life.

I’m a chronic worrier, with lots of anxiety.

I spent probably the first 25 or so years of my life constantly tense, walking on eggshells around other people (one specific person anyways, but that’s another story for another day).

So that tenseness, that consistent clenching feeling, where your entire body is tight, worried anxiousness that something bad is going to happen, is something I’m working on even 10 years later to eliminate, or at least get control of.

So what do I do when I practice self-care?

I try to practice mindfulness.

I try to meditate, I clear my mind.

Clearing your mind for a chronic worrier and someone who is always anxious is very, very hard. But it can be done.

What else do I do?

I connect with nature. Water is also my thing, so if I can, I go swimming.

Working out is a form of self-care, a very good one.

Taking vacations – taking time off, while not always possible, is a form of self-care.

Writing. (Or as they like to call it, journaling)

Listening to your body.

It can be as simple as staying hydrated.

Just taking a walk outside.

Breathing, focusing on your breath.

Inhale, exhale.

Even just taking a simple shower and washing off the day.

So, what do you do for self-care? I hope you practice some form of self-care Sunday (and it doesn’t have to be on Sunday!) in order to function for your highest good and wellbeing.

Because remember, YOU are important.

10 comments

  1. Wonderful reflection, Laura! Recognizing the critical, though often challenging, role of self-care is essential. My balance is maintained through a blend of practices: Vipassana meditation, long-distance running, and expressing myself creatively through poetry, music, and drawing. Additionally, contributing to the well-being of others and steering clear of alcohol are key, for me. These 5 things are the pillars of my mental health. Neglecting any of them significantly alters who I am, and how I feel. It can be so hard sometimes to remember to extend kindness inward, but it’s so important! Echoing Jack Kornfield, “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”

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    • Thank you for your very thoughtful comment! 😊 I’ve never heard of Vipassana meditation so will have to check it out. I wish I could be a runner, haha!! But I’m good at other things. I definitely agree that expressing yourself creatively is such a good outlet for self-care. Journaling or writing really helps the mind piece together the complexities of life, sometimes. I spend a lot of my time in service to others as well as a nurse, and even though it can be fulfilling work, it is also draining at times if you aren’t careful with your energy. You definitely can’t neglect your mind, body, or spirit! They are all inter-connected. 😊

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      • That’s awesome! I can imagine that nursing is a rewarding yet challenging path. Thank you for what you do!

        Samatha meditation (focusing on attention/awareness) might be more familiar, and it’s part of my practice too. However, Vipassana (or insight meditation, as it’s sometimes called) is incredibly valuable. It emphasizes mindfulness, stemming from Theravada Buddhism, the oldest tradition. Vipassana encourages an open, nonjudgmental awareness of consciousness, welcoming all experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Sam Harris has some really great beginners insight courses available (as do others) if you are interested in checking it out. It’s been a very beneficial practice for me for many years.

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      • Yes, I’m definitely going to check it out! Thank you so much for the information and the detailed explanation 🙏 that’s awesome that you incorporate these types of meditation in your daily practice! Yes, nursing can be draining but I’m trying to move into a more enlightened mindset to where I’m not only focusing on my development spiritually, but helping others as well. 😊

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  5. Insightful post and a beautiful picture, Laura! Self-care is essential, but sometimes it’s easier said than done for me. I’m constantly trying to prioritize myself, though. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

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    • Thanks for your kind words! 😊 I appreciate them! You’re right, self-care is indeed so hard, it often falls by the wayside for me, and what you said is so true! We need to prioritize ourselves 🙏 Thank you for your kind comment 😊

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