Bobby reflects on the term 'self-care'
Sometimes the words ‘self-care’ can cause us a bit of a negative reaction – particularly at the times when we are most busy with our daily lives – we can sometimes have questions like “How can I fit self-care into my life?” or “Well, I would have a break but who else is going to do that chore that needs doing?” or thoughts about the connotations with our perceived ‘selfishness’ over focusing on and allowing ourselves time for any acts of self care. …Sometimes we can maybe even feel a little jealousy over those who do manage to make self care a regular part of their daily routine. These are all very normal reactions.
We live in a world where life has become very busy and the expectations placed on us by others and even by society can be huge!
We often feel we should be doing something all the time and that doesn’t allow us time to pause and to just ‘be’. We feel like we don’t have permission to pause or stop for a while – even for something as simple as a short walk in the fresh air or a break from our screens or even a drink of water. We can feel guilty because there’s housework or washing that needs doing or an email that needs sending or a cupboard that needs sorting out or homework that needs doing – you get the picture!
So my self care tip for this month is very simple – give yourself permission.
Yep, it’s really that simple! Learn how to give yourself permission to take some protected time that is just for yourself – doing whatever it is that makes you feel nourished. Without feeling guilty. You don’t have to spend any money on an extravagant spa day, or dedicate a whole day to recharging yourself, you can show yourself care by doing something small like stepping away from your desk to eat your lunch, or standing outside in the fresh air for just 5 or 10 minutes and connecting yourself with nature. Whatever it is you choose to do to nourish yourself, just remember to give yourself permission to do it and know that it is ok – in fact it is essential – and that there’s no need for any guilt.
Remember that all humans need to recharge and just ‘be’ regardless of how busy or how needed we are.
