Practicing Self-Care by Toni Barrett

Since the beginning of the pandemic self-care has become an echoing term in our ears. The word defines itself; simply giving care to yourself. Self-care is vital as it is medium through which we can avoid or manage burn-outs, exhaustion and stress. By practicing self-care you are able to support yourself by acknowledging your limits; that is knowing when there is nothing else to give. Today’s tips seeks to inform you on five ways in which you can practice self-care.

Rest- I want you to notice my choice of word as we tend to confuse it with sleep. You can sleep and not rest but if you practice to rest you will experience great sleep. Resting involves both the body and the mind so if you stop physical work and continue mental work then you are not resting. There should be a time reserved each day after work or even on the weekends where you can put the cares of this world on pause to acquire inner peace.

Buy yourself something you want-I specifically wrote the word “want” and not “need” as those needs would be on your list every month. We work because we need to acquire money to support our families and to have a life that we are satisfied with. What about the things you desire to have that aren’t seen as a necessity but you wish to have them? Treat yourself to something you always wanted to get whether it be a new bag, shoes, jewelry or even a trip to anywhere of your choice. You deserve it.

Disconnect from the internet- Since we use our gadgets more often than before then cleansing yourself from the internet is encouraged. News and information, WhatsApp messages, meetings and webinars can be quite overbearing and you may feel pressured as there is so much going on. Taking a break will allow you to rejuvenate to be able to function at your best. Within this time you are allowed to be selfish and not worry about who needs you; YOU NEED YOU. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup.

Exercise/move to upbeat music- exercise has proven to give more energy. Yes! More energy. A good workout or moving to upbeat music can change your entire mood and atmosphere. It allows your heart to pump more blood keeping you more active and ready to get other work done. It is a good way to stop worrying while enjoying the moment and it also has physical benefits. Exercising and movement also improves mental health.

Meet with old/new friends- I cannot stress the importance of physical interaction and the benefits it has for the process of socialization. Meeting with friends allows you to share in special moments that can be filled with fun and laughter. There are several activities that can be done which are so much better doing with friends. Discussions, debates, games, dinners, evening walks and movie dates are just a few activities that are more worthwhile when done with friends. Do not underestimate the power of friendships and how it can make a great difference in your life.

The way in which we take care of ourselves may differ from person to person. You can try these tips along with what works for you. You know what you need to be better but sometimes you may need the reminder. Remember, it is all about moving forward but more so in the right direction. Let’s move forward by first taking care of ourselves to be of more use to others that will need us. Koffee said “Gratitude is a must” but I say SELF-CARE is a MUST and also a plus!

IG: _always.laughing