The 3 R’s of Self-Care: Relax, Rethink, Renew
Self-care. It occupies a place in the current list of buzz words around healthy living. We have talked about what it is.
So WHY is it necessary?
I think most of us would agree that life is crazy busy these days. We are all going in many directions, multi-tasking and often trying to be all things to all people. Believe it or not, we can eventually reach a breaking point. But do we have to? That’s where self-care can come in.
Here are the 3 R’s of self-care:
First, self-care allows us to RELAX. It is vitally important for each of us to have down time with no demands or responsibilities. In moments of relaxation, we can step away from all those things calling for our attention and just be. We can drop our tensed shoulders, take some deep breaths, and focus on ourselves.
Each of us has our own way of relaxing. For some, it may be a massage or a time of meditation. For others, a walk outside will do the trick. And still others may sit with a cup of tea and a good book. The way you do it is of no consequence. What matters is that you actually take the time and do it.
Don’t forget: relaxation is requirement of the body. It is healthy to let down and allow the innermost parts of you – physical, mental, emotional – have a bit of a rest.
Next, self-care encourages us to RETHINK how we do life. If you find yourself taking on too many responsibilities, saying ‘yes’ when everything in you wants to say ‘no’, or you live with a feeling of insurmountable overwhelm, it’s time to take time for some serious self-care.
Women in particular often fall into the habit of taking on everything that is tossed their way. Caring for the children, looking after the aging or ailing parents, keeping up with the house and the meals, and whatever else screams for attention lands on their to-do list and they take it on. No questions asked.
Know this: it is ok to say ‘no’. It is ok to draw a line and commit to yourself that you will not cross it. This is healthy. This is self-care.
Finally, self-care provides an opportunity to RENEW yourself. Too many days of going like the Energizer bunny can take a toll on even the strongest person. Stepping away from all those things that you think will fall apart if you don’t hold them together will, in fact, survive.
Allowing yourself time for self-care gives you time away from the busyness to gain a new perspective, to discover what matters most to you, and to decide if some activities need to be revised, revamped, or released. Often it’s difficult to navigate and course correct when we are smack in the middle of doing daily life.
Remember: contrary to what you may have been told, this life is your life. Yes, those people you care about are important, but so are you. You are best equipped to give most freely to those around you when you have first set aside time to care of yourself.
With a busy life, it may seem difficult or even impossible to take time for self-care, but it can be such a gift. The benefits of taking time to RELAX, RETHINK, and RENEW are immeasurable. Try it. It can create a whole new you.
Above all, keep this in mind: you are worth the time required to take care of Y.O.U.
Now what is one way you can start to put self-care into practice today?
Self-care heals,
Steph Marks
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How do fit self-care into your life? Have you found ways to make it work? I would love to hear from you on this very important practice. There’s a place for your comments below.