Why is Self-Care important?
It promotes a positive physical and mental well being. Self-care is vital to maintain a healthy relationship with self and others. “Happy Wife, Happy Life” this saying speaks truth. If we are not happy within, we will not express happiness to others. Self-care produces positive feelings, boosts confidence and rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Thus, it is important to focus on 2 areas of self-care, Outer Self-care and Inner Self-Care.
Outer Self-care focuses on our physical body. My budget for my self-care items were $10 (I’m a college student lol). I bought 1 facial mask ($2), 1 bag of lavender epsom salt ($5) and a pumpkin spice candle ($3). Why go to a spa? When the spa can go to you? The first week, I kept it simple and did things from home. Make sure to schedule no less than 30 minutes for self-care time. It’s important to fully indulge yourself and appreciate silence. The world can become loud and the voices of others seem louder than God’s. This self-care time is meant to regain connection through prayer and asking God to make His Voice louder than anyone else’s. Put on your mask, soak your feet and close your eyes keeping your mind focused on God’s voice. You will be surprised in how He Reveals himself!
The second week was payday! I decided to treat myself to a full body massage with aroma therapy and mimosas! According to Dele-Michael, “Sweat purges the body of toxins that can clog pores and plague the skin with pimples and blemishes.” My version of a sauna was my backyard, and it was amazing! I set a time to lay out in the sun and detox my body. Not only did I get a tan, but I burned calories too! It is important to note that Outer Self-care is not about the most expensive leisure, it is what you can afford.
Activity Suggestions:
- Outer Self-Care:
- Clean/cut nails
- wash/style hair
- Get a massage
- Take a warm bubble bath
- nap in the middle of the day!
- Paint
- Visit a Museum
- Inner Self-Care
- Meditate
- Read your favorite book
- Write poetry
- listen to soothing music
- make a to-do list
- create a vision board
- reconnect with a friend or family member
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What is my budget for Self-Care?
- What items do I need for my Self-care day?
- What are things I can do for Outer Self-care?
- What are things I can do for Inner Self-Care?
- What brings stress, worries or anxiety into my life?
- How can I release these negative feelings?
- What brings me peace and joy?
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul”
– 3 John 1:2