THE BENEFITS OF BEING A SELF-CARE ADVOCATE
Article by Jennifer Miller
The Benefits of Being a Self-Care Advocate
Self-care is all about identifying your own needs, and how they can be met without judgment or guilt. Bringing the focus on yourself is not a selfish act, it is a chance to nourish and tend to what refuels your body, mind and spirit. We often forget our own needs- so advocacy for your own self care is important.
Life can sometimes be overwhelming, and we tend to make sure everyone else’s needs are met before our own. As we get caught up in the hustle of life our self-care is the first to go. When we get proper self-care you are able to show up much differently in your life, as it helps with focus, become more aware and be clear for future tasks.
Benefits:
1. Productivity - slowing down, and saying no when you need to seems like a great idea but can be hard to do when you feel pulled to do “more”. When you do slow down and say no to what does not serve you and yes to the things that does you are able to be more productive and have more room for the things that fill you up. It also helps you see what is most important.
2. Improves compassion- when you are able to practice self-compassion it improves your ability to give empathy to others, as well as release judgment from your thoughts. Being warm and loving to yourself can clear the emotional clutter, improve your perspective and decrease the feeling of inadequacy. Be kind to yourself as you would be to others.
3. Increases self-identity- when we practice self-care it shows you what is important, and also what you enjoy. It can break down barriers of things you may not want to do for yourself, or open you up to do more of those enjoyable activities, reigniting old passions and connecting to self.
4. Improves your capacity to help others. If you are an empty cup you cannot help fill others cup- it just isn’t possible. Self-care improves your relationships with others and expands your capacity to be empathetic. This being said do not give too much of yourself away as your cup will quickly go back to being empty.
What are some things I can do to start? Here is a list that can help!
Physical Self-Care:
Go For A Walk
Dance
Hike
Play With A Dog
Take A Hot Shower
Reorganize Your Room
Visit Your Favorite Coffee Shop
Workout
Take A Nap
Yoga
Mental Self-Care:
Read A Book
Learn To Draw Something New
Find A DIY Activity On Pinterest
Buy An Adult Coloring Book
Turn Off Your Phone
Ask For Help When You Need It
Stay Off Of Social Media
Read Inspiring Quotes
Listen To Calm Music
Write Down Your Thoughts And Feelings
Paint/draw or Create
Emotional Self-Care:
Put Your Favorite Song On Repeat
Put On Fresh, Comfy Clothes
Find A Quiet Place And Meditate
Avoid Triggers
Light Your Favorite Candle
Slow Your Breathing
Take A 10 Minute Break
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Watch Your Favorite TV Show Or Movie
Have a Good Cry
Talk to a Friend
Be Kind to Yourself
