For a lot of people, September symbolizes a new beginning. The seasons are changing, school is starting and we’re officially heading toward the end of the year. But September is also a really important time of the year for focusing on self-care. Back in 2017, September was declared Self Care Awareness Month. I know, it seems like there’s a month or day dedicated to just about everything these days, but this is definitely a theme I can get behind to celebrate all month long.
Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. No-one's perfect. But so often we compare our insides to other people's outsides. This month I’m encouraging everyone to be kind to themselves (as well as others), especially when things don’t go as planned. Self-care increases our resilience and helps us get more out of life. It also helps us accept others too. Not only is it Self-Care Awareness Month, but it is also the perfect time to make sure your focus is aligned, and intentions are set on how to best take care of yourself. I invite you this month to make Self-care the priority and give to the nurture of your full self. Simply put, self-care is your solution to give TO yourself as much as you give OF yourself.
So, what is self-care? self-care is something that refuels us, rather than takes from us. Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others. Self-care is not something that we force ourselves to do, or something we don’t enjoy doing. Self-care isn’t a selfish either. It’s not only about considering our needs; it’s knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves, therefore, we’re able to take care of others as well.
Self-care is not just about visiting the spa, although I do love a great massage, it’s about whatever feels good to you and allows you to enjoy the present moment. For you this might look like taking a long bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or reading a good book. Self-care is not one size fits all, and because of this, you get the opportunity to create your own recipe for self-care. Below is an example of the ingredients that make up my own self-care recipe. I encourage you to create your own and find time this month to use your recipe as often as you can.
- Painting my nails
- Cuddling with my cat
- Going for a walk in nature
- Listening to an uplifting or funny podcast
- Coloring in adult coloring books
- Filling my home with candles & incense and lighting them
- Meditating
- Doing yoga outside in nature
This self-care recipe includes things that bring me joy and happiness. Your recipe is completely your own. Select ingredients that bring you happiness and relax you. It’s so important to honor yourself by showing yourself some self-care. It doesn’t need to be every day, but at least once a week. Each day is a gift, so try your best to stay in the present. Yesterday is gone, but today is a new day. A new day is best day to give yourself some self-care, which I like to call self-love.