Self-Care Is More Than Bubble Baths

When you hear the word “self-care” what comes to mind? Naturally I think of the sweet smell of lavender from a lighted candle, while soaking in a warm, bubble bath. I also think of getting a pedicure, indulging in a massage, and, of course, applying an expensive face mask. These are definitely amazing ways to practice self-care, but they are not the only tools you should use to relax.

In order to truly understand the purpose of self-care, I have come up with an acronym that represents the true meaning of the term. They are as follows: Self-Compassion, Empathy, Love, Fun, Creativity, Awaken, Relaxation, and Energy. These all describe the ways you should love and nourish your body when practicing self-care. 

Self- Compassion

The reason Self-Compassion comes first in the list is because it is the most important. Why is this so? Because we are human, we all make mistakes and we all have physical, mental and emotional limits. Our internal organs work tirelessly everyday to keep our bodies functioning and our brains are turned on more than we’d like. I think we are allowed to give ourselves some grace if we are exhausted from burnout or emotional stress. That’s exactly what self-compassion is. A way to give ourselves a hypothetical hug (though we should definitely give ourselves a physical hug) while saying, “It’s ok, you are an amazing human being. Just relax and let everything go.” 

Empathy

Empathy is similar to self-compassion, however, it involves more of our mindset. It is all about caring and giving. It’s about putting yourself in someone else's shoes while truly being present as a source of comfort. Now apply this to yourself. You’ve clearly been in your own shoes, therefore, you know what your needs are. So provide them! If you need some encouragement, practice reciting positive mantras out loud. If you need a dose of unconditional love, spend some time with your puppy or visit someone else’s fur baby. If you need a pick-me-up, get your body moving! Take a walk outside, practice some yoga, or lift some weights. 

Love 

This is probably one of the most difficult ways to practice self-care. Loving YOU. Now, if you’re great at loving yourself, that’s awesome! Keep up the good work. For those who are like me, we tend to care more for others than ourselves. This may seem like a very selfless way to live, but I have to break it to you, it’s NOT. Being selfless can actually be a negative characteristic, while being selfish can actually be a positive one. You’re probably thinking I have these two terms mixed up, but guys, trust me. I don’t. In order to love others, you have to love yourself first. PERIOD. This is why it is essential to love yourself when you practice self-care. If you’re practicing self-care, it means you love yourself enough to carve time out of your precious day to take care of you. Fill your own cup first, before giving yourself to others. At the end of the day, you are the only person you can count on, so it is crucial to nurture your mind and body through self-care. 

Fun

Yes, I said it. You need to have fun when practicing self-care! You all are familiar with dopamine and how it works and how there are both healthy and unhealthy ways to increase dopamine. Instead of scrolling through social media, (which is not self-care FYI), listen to an inspiring podcast or color in a coloring book. Build a fort and watch TV in it. Bake one of your favorite desserts. Play one of your favorite games or watch one of your favorite movies. Self-care doesn't have to be so serious or only complete relaxation and stillness. The purpose of self-care is to give your body and mind a break from the everyday stresses of life and to re-energize, so you are able to function as a human being. Just have some freakin’ fun! It’s YOUR body, YOUR time. I suggest you do what makes your soul happy. 

Creativity

This one is a subset of fun. There are a billion ways to be creative. Like this blog. It seriously is a version of self-care for me. I am able to relax by creating content, while at the same time, positively impacting people. It’s a win-win! I’m not saying you have to publish what you create. I’m saying there’s always something to be created. There’s always an idea that aches to come to life, whether that be writing a song, painting a picture, knitting a scarf, developing formulas or methods, designing clothes, etc. You catch my drift? Being creative helps clear the mind of stressful thoughts and it helps the brain function, exercising our neuroplasticity.

Awaken

To truly be awake does not mean you’re not asleep. It means to truly be present and aware of the space around you. For example, you could take a walk everyday and not really know your surroundings. You might just simply be going through the motions and not even recognize the beauty around you. Instead, next time you go on a walk, leave your phone and airpods behind and just simply notice your surroundings while using all five senses. What do you see? What do you smell? Do you hear cars driving by or dogs barking? How about taste? If someone is barbecuing, you can probably taste the smoke or BBQ in the air. Being present will make that walk so much more meaningful and much more enjoyable. This is the epitome of what self-care is all about. Being present. When you are truly awake, you can authentically be and love yourself to the fullest.

Relaxation

Relaxing is the easiest to comprehend. However, for some, it isn’t easy to get into a state of relaxation or homeostasis. I, for example, suffer from an anxiety disorder, so it can be pretty challenging to calm both my mind and body. This is why I am so grateful for yoga and meditation. Both practices make it easier to bring me into a state of calm and stillness. There are days where it can certainly be more challenging than others, but generally yoga and meditation have improved my mood tremendously. Of course, it is entirely up to you on how you want to relax. Some just like to rest and watch TV. (although I highly do not recommend the news/media) Some people will take a boat ride while watching the sunset or sit still watching their little ones play. There is no right or wrong way to relax, as long as you are present and listening to your body’s signals. Your body will tell you what is or isn’t relaxing, trust me. 

Energy

This last one is also extremely important, as the whole purpose of self-care is to increase energy and mental clarity. If you keep using the news or unhealthy substances, you will most likely become drained of any energy you do have. Yes, coffee tastes amazing (a great cup of coffee in the morning can definitely count as self-care), but if you consume caffeine all day, you will ultimately crash, which defeats the purpose of giving your body that TLC it needs. The term I like to use when consuming anything that doesn’t quite nourish my body is “in moderation.” I love to indulge in a glass of Riesling or Prosecco at the end of a tough work day, but if I have more than a glass or two, I will suffer from a massive headache from the sugar high. Pain is the opposite feeling of what self-care should produce. 

My point is, really take the time to understand self-care and how important it is to practice it daily. Even if it’s meditating for 5 minutes or taking the dog out for a quick walk. A little self-care goes a long way as it can boost your mood almost instantly. I challenge you to practice some form of self-care today and, while you’re at it, let me know your favorite way to practice self-care!  

I hope this acronym helps you remember what self-care is all about. My goal is to encourage you all to take care of yourselves, especially during such unprecedented times. You can check out my video on self-care here. ❤️

Love you all and take care.

MM