What Self-Care Looks Like to Me

Self-care is certainly having a moment right now. With social movements, like Me Too, encouraging us to speak up for ourselves and Twitter encouraging us to eat that last cookie, it’s on everyone’s radar. Though the internet defines it as an umbrella term used by millennials to excuse poor financial decisions, self-care is generally defined as taking an active role in protecting one’s own well being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress.

And a lot of people online like to depict their form of self-care as luxurious bubble baths, face masks, and guilty pleasures in excess, self-care has the potential to run incredibly deeper. Today I wanted to claim my little space on the interweb and depict my own form of self-care. So here are a few examples of what self-care looks like to me.

1 | cancelling plans

We see cheeky memes of Twitter about cancelling plans in the name self-help, but in reality, that is a very real form of self-care. At least it is to me.

I love being by myself. And sometimes large, noisy crowds stress me out. Cancelling plans to be by myself when I’m feeling anxious is an acceptable form of self-care in my opinion. No need to stress myself out.

2 | socializing

On the other hand, continuously cancelling plans can be lonely. Sometimes socializing is what I need. There are times I don’t want to be alone, I don’t want to be sad or stressed. Getting a friend or two together is necessary and soul satisfying.

Even when I might not reeeally want to socialize, I’m usually happy when I do.

3 | taking medication

People love to blast natural self-care–baths and candles, treats and sleepovers. And it is…for some people. One of the biggest forms of self-care for me is making sure I’m taking my medicine.

I take an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication, and when I don’t I’m out of sorts. My mood swings. I’m generally sad and irritable. And it shows.

I used to be in denial that I might need medicated. Being happy is just supposed to be something you are; you shouldn’t have to take a pill to feel normal feelings. But as I’m getting older, it’s not bothering me as much. Do I wish I never needed it? Sure. Am I happy when I’m able to think rationally? Yes.

So an important part of self-care for me is allowing myself to accept this tiny pill helps my body–that there’s something unbalanced in my head, and there’s a way I can help that.

Medication isn’t for everyone. Make sure you speak to a doctor if you feel this may be an option for you.

4 | sleeping in

Turning the alarm off and settling in for a good night’s rest is an amazing form of self-care. While I like to wake up and start my day, earlier than later, boy is it nice to sleep in.

I’m constantly tired, and I often feel overrun. Sometimes you have to listen to your body, give it the attention it needs, and be okay with it.

5 | avoiding the “it’s OK” response

I don’t know if it’s a personality thing or a being a female thing, but I know I’m not alone. When someone wrongs me or upsets me in anyway, I’m quick to respond with “It’s alright” after an “I’m sorry.” But it isn’t always alright. My feelings are still hurt, my point still valid.

Instead, I’ve started accepting the apology without excusing the action. I’ve been trying to say “Thank you” instead. It’s a small way to stand up for myself, and it makes me feel better and less meek.

6 | having a glass of water

We all know water is good for us, yeah? I also know I don’t drink nearly enough of it. It’s a whole thing–I just don’t get thirsty and I forget. But sometimes when I’m having a bad day or maybe a bad moment, I just drink a glass of water. It’s something that doesn’t actually make a problem go away, but it’s good for me.

So if you’re having a bad moment and don’t know what to do, just tell yourself, “When I feel this way, I’m going to have a glass of water.”

7 | snuggling my baby

Cuddling is a stress reliever, so the studies say. And I do too. When I’m anxious and stressed and having a bad day, few things beat a good snuggle session with Fitzy. My favorites are when we spend a few minutes in silence, just taking it in.

8 | cleaning the house

To me, anything that counteracts anxiety is a form of self-care. Cleaning the house takes me mind off of things and allows me to de-stress. Plus, a clean house ticks off a multitude of self-care boxes.

And personally, my mind and body is heavily effected by my environment. So a clean house ups my productivity and motivation, decreases my anxiety and stress, and makes me feel generally at ease.

Self-care manifests itself in many ways, and these are just a few forms of what self-care looks like for me. I also opt for middle of the day bubble baths and whole boxes of macarons in the name of self-care, but it’s serious business. What does self-care look like for you?