Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Where do you even begin….
As educators we can easily get so caught up in caring for others that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Sometimes we even feel like it’s selfish.
The reality is, if we don’t take care of ourselves we can’t be good for anyone else.
So where do we even begin? Here are a few of my favorite ways to practice self care.
MEDITATE
Ok go with me here. I used to think this was so stupid, but meditation has been a lifesaver for me and my anxiety. There are so many great free youtube videos. If you’re a Peloton user, there are some great meditations in the app. Also if you’re a person of faith, the app “Abide” is fantastic. It has scripture that help ground you.
POUR INTO OTHERS
On my worst days, I’ve learned that when I stop worrying about ME and instead focus on lifting up others, it actually changes my mood. What I mean is, on my rough days, I send a text to a friend letting them know I was thinking of them. I write a letter. I make a phone call. I pour into someone else and build them up and it builds me up!
DISCONNECT
Yes, this is hard for me too. But disconnecting is so incredibly important. Turn off your email. Go for a walk. Turn on Netflix. Whatever you do, put your phone or computer down and do something that requires little to no brainpower.
EXERCISE
I’ve never been consistent at exercising. Until this year. I have really focused on being active (mainly with my Peloton bike and nightly walks). It was made SUCH a difference. My doctor even told me this last week that when looking to improve your mental health, 30% of that is exercise. We have to make time for it. Even if we just walk around the house for 20 minutes a day.
THERAPY
Ok this is a game-changer. There is such a stigma attached to therapy, but it’s a must if you’re truly looking to improve your mental health. Above you see my doctor said 30% of your mental health is exercise. Then he said “some people hate to hear this but if you REALLY want to get your mental health under control, therapy is 50% of what’s necessary.” It’s true. Make time for it.
POSITIVE REMINDERS/SELF-TALK
Our inner voice is so powerful. What we think of ourselves can easily derail any growth we have. So we have to find ways to send positive reminders to our brains.
For me that’s putting up sticky notes. I have them on my mirror, car dash, in my wallet, on my laptop, and more! So my brain is always seeing these positive reminders to help keep me in check.
You Matter Too
In the end, you need to remember that you matter too. Self care is not selfish. You have incredible worth. We ALL struggle. We ALL feel like failures at some point. We ALL wonder if anyone cares.
The truth is, we do matter. Thank YOU for choosing to remain another day.
