Too often taking care of yourself ends up buried at the bottom of your pile of things to do. But self-care supports your well-being and helps you accomplish what’s important.
When you hear the phrase “self-care,” you might think of facials and massages to pamper yourself. These are certainly relaxing ways of caring for yourself. Yet there are many other forms of self-care that are also very satisfying.
Think of self-care as doing positive things for yourself that make you feel good physically and/or emotionally. Self-care is the equivalent of petting your cat. What can you do for yourself so that you feel like purring? Maybe things such as:
- Finding a type of exercise you enjoy.
- Learning to meditate and carving out time for daily practice.
- Going to a favorite place and taking photos for the fun of it.
- Giving yourself permission to buy an excellent article of clothing.
- Taking yourself to a movie you really want to see.
- Sharing time with a special friend you’ve been missing.
- Taking a walk around a beautiful park.
Stop and ask yourself: “What kind of self-care is right for me?” Then, just do it.
*Originally published 8/19/06 in The Kansas City Star “FYI Solutions” Section, “An Authentic Life” Column as a series of articles contributed by Kansas City life coach Lorrie Crystal Eigles. Eigles provided monthly insights, tactics, and encouragement to help readers realize their potential and lead more rewarding lives.
