Self-care?

Self-care has become so trendy, that even Barbie is doing it! I know, it’s hard to imagine anyone feeling taken care of while trapped in permanent high-heeled feet. With all this buzz around self-care, we might doubt its legitimate value. Is it really just fluffy and self-ISH?

Let’s ignore the hype and recognize it for its core. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we cannot be there for the people we love. Neglecting our own needs—which is very easy to do, especially for busy moms—leads to burnout, bitterness and resentment. That in turn causes strained relationships and feelings of despair.

While pop culture tends to define self-care in terms of facials and mani-pedis, there are many other ways we can take care of ourselves in a meaningful way (not that I’m against a good spa day!) that don’t have to cost money or take a lot of time.

I find that taking time for my emotional and physical wellbeing has a ripple effect. When I decide to give myself 10 minutes just to draw, or 5 minutes to do some deep breathing, not only do I get the regulating effect of these activities, I feel an overall boost to the soul. I’m simultaneously sending and receiving the message ‘You are important. You need to be taken care of just like everyone else in your life.’