Why Self-Care is NOT Selfish!
Posted on November 21, 2018 by Krista Hill, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Do you want to be a super... mom, wife, volunteer, career woman, and find time for yourself too?
Does this sound familiar?
Hectic mornings, kids to school, work, workout, groceries, cook, clean, kids’ activities, spouses’ poker night, pay bills, crazy bedtime, phone calls, laundry, pack lunches, limited time with spouse, finally your bedtime… and REPEAT
You can switch it up a bit to suit your situation. The question remains: where is the “you” time? There just doesn’t seem to be any time left. We often fail to see how time for ourselves can fit into our daily routine. We are worth prioritizing, so we can be the best version of ourselves.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
Do you see what others likely see: A vibrant, always-at-her-best supermom, wife extraordinaire, volunteer of the year, top career woman, the woman who can juggle it all? Or do you see a somewhat neglected, tired, unbalanced and lonely woman, in need of praise, time to pursue her passions, and time to just breathe?
We praise our kids for pooping, because we love them. So why do we feel guilty asking for praise or praising ourselves for all of the things we do? Do we feel guilty loving ourselves? We deserve and need the same love, reassurance and nurturing that we provide children, to be the best version of our self. Guilt should never accompany self-love.
What can we do?
We can still be super…moms, wives, volunteers, career women, and an incredible “juggler” who finds time for herself as well, so that we can be at our best emotionally and physically, feel like ourselves again. We simply need to see that taking time for ourselves can fit into our regular routine, and realize that it needs to… We can’t give from an empty well!
When you hear the words “self-care” what comes to mind?
I’m too busy at work this month; the kids are just starting soccer and baseball season…good luck finding a spare minute for me; once I look after everything and everyone else in my life, I’ll take care of me! Do you think it would be selfish to put yourself before others?
Are you familiar with the adage, “Take care of yourself first or you will have nothing left to give others,”? If so, why do you feel selfish or guilty putting yourself first?
Our behavior and emotions impact everyone around us, our children included. We might think that those around us: our children, friends, co-workers, and loved ones, are oblivious to how we really feel, if we “act” positive and relaxed. How we feel, and our actions, affect them, even at a young age; they can feel our stress and our need for rest and rejuvenation.
If you need more convincing, think of it this way:
Your heart pumps blood to itself first, then it pumps blood out to the rest of your body. This is how it keeps you alive. It serves itself first, then the other organs. It needs to take care of itself before it can take care of others, or you wouldn’t be alive.
You need to take care of you first. Then, you can take care of others.
You deserve to take care of you. Those you care about, deserve it as well. You will be nourished, rejuvenated, the best version of yourself, and your well will be full and available to the important things and people in your life.
