Keeping Self-Care Simple

What is self-care for you? What is your definition of it? What self-care strategies have been working for you? Self-care isn’t new, but a fresh take on the topic will still bless you and leave you with things to think about.

Filipinos don’t typically access the power of self-care. As children, we were taught to be on our toes, willing to help, and ready to give whenever we can. As adults, we need to revisit how much of ourselves we give to our work, our families, our homes, our ministry, and other people. At the end of the day, taking care of our well-being is a personal responsibility.

Ask yourself: How are you filling your cup?

There are many self-care strategies. Some are connected to fashion, food, fitness, and indulgences. These are not wrong. But choose to be more discerning. The more you think that self-care is about other people or the purchases and indulgences you can afford, the more it becomes difficult for us to weave it into our life’s daily patterns. Self-care does not lie in the external. 

You may have noticed that your strategies may have changed over time due to the pandemic. Let me offer some tips so you can enjoy the benefits of self-care without having to pull from external sources. 

#1 Self-care is not scrimping: It is not selling yourself short and acting all cheap. You don’t have to keep on giving up things that you like for your loved ones. If you are especially fond of the chicken leg, for example, allow yourself to consume it. You don’t have to keep on offering it to your family members. Taking some for yourself does not make you selfish.

#2 Elevate things around you: No need to revamp and have everything repaired. But if you have good things stored away for years, take them out and use them. Most families have items stashed away for special occasions or for when you’re expecting guests at home. Given the social gathering restrictions, how long will you want these things to collect dust? Enjoy them now!

#3 Find out the little things that make you happy: If you love writing, go ahead and get a good pen. If you’re a young parent or a busy employee, cherish the short alone time you have by using your favorite soaps when bathing. There shouldn’t be any shame in spending a little bit more (within reason, of course) on the things that matter most to you. Don’t be too frugal on yourself and get lavish on loved ones. Give yourself the same love you give to others. 

#4 Self-care is selfish: This is taking care of yourself so you have a lot to give. Observe your limits. Be okay with saying no. It is a way to protect your energy. 

#5 Self-care is not hard: Do you still struggle with practicing self-care? You can take it in small strides first. Begin by taking your time when bathing. Take extra hours of sleep. Learn how to put the phone away beyond work hours. Self-care is not hard. It just needs deliberate intent. 

#6 Self-care is about spending time with yourself: It starts with you. It doesn’t need to cost you much. It doesn’t need to be difficult. Many of the things that we believe stems from the way we were conditioned to perceive things. Learn how and when to say, “Please respect me on this because this is mine.” 

I hope you find the courage and ability not to allow people or circumstances to rob you of the opportunity to take care of yourself. If anything happens to your health and well-being, the people around you will not get sick. Your health and your life are only yours to carry. You are responsible for yourself. Take action and start caring for yourself better. You owe it to yourself to take care of yourself. – WITH PAU DE VERA

Photo by Ava Sol on Unsplash