#selfcareadvocate

[violstonesofficial]

What Self-care Is and What It's Not

I cannot begin to explain how glad I am that the movement of self-care has swept over our communities in the last few years. The notion of looking out for ourselves in all ways has transformed how we look at our day-to-day activities. We now set out to perform mundane routines with the intention of self-love, nurturing our bodies and minds in ways we haven't thought of before. 

But what is self-care? What exactly qualifies? The technical definition is anything we do to tend to our physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional needs. So when you think about it, anything from simply brushing your teeth to planning a movie night with friends, can be considered an act of self-care. But what about all the trendy posts of luxurious baths and sunset dinners for one?

Let's break it down and talk about what is and what is not self-care. 

Self-care is not:

For show. It is not about what it looks like to anyone else or how it'll look in a photo for the Internet. 

A luxury. Sometimes, we can believe that taking care of ourselves with anything more than the bare minimum is a form of excess, but that simply isn't true. The spectrum of self-care reaches all aspects of our health-- spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. That means that some things that may not be practical or logical in a physical sense are actually necessary for tending to our emotional needs. And that is just as valuable as ensuring that we are adequately fed and watered throughout the day. 

A lack of discipline or boundaries. That being said, spending more than we can afford on a manicure is not an act of self-care. Overextending yourself will more often than not lead to more harm than good. Also, lacking self-discipline and being unable to say no to harmful habits or make healthier decisions defeats the purpose of self-care altogether. 

A distraction. It can be easy to fall into the trap of distracting ourselves with acts of "self-care" under the pretense that we are looking after ourselves when, in fact, we are distracting ourselves from important hurt feelings that need to be healed and addressed. Don't get caught up in the trend so much that you forget to check in with how you truly feel and forgo caring for some of your most pressing needs.

A rigid set of actions. What works and is healthy for one person may not hit the mark for another. Acts of self-care are vary from person to person and will change throughout your life as you grow and evolve along your journey. Being open to new ideas and being willing to adapt is in itself part of self-care. 

In general, self-care is not always easy, and it's not just about making you “feel good.” It's about giving yourself what you need, even the hard-to-admit stuff like more boundaries or less caffeine. 

Now, let's explore what self-care is. During my most recent therapy experience, I learned that self-care was more comprehensive than I'd originally thought. I've concluded that self-care is any act or opportunity you create to witness your true self. 

The true self is a term used in “Internal Family Systems” or IFS Therapy to refer to the part of us that is complete and embodies eight key characteristics (Compassion, Creativity, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, Calm, Connectedness, Clarity). The term is also used in the meditation and metaphysics realms, more often referred to as the higher self. For me, these two understandings are pretty united in that the true self is the essence of who we are in the purest and most whole sense. But in IFS, the idea is that this true self is hidden by "parts" that develop to protect us as the result of trauma we face in our lives. So if we approach self-care as a way to connect with our higher self and rediscover the purest version of who we are, we create the chance for self-care to be much more rewarding. 

In the simplest sense, self-care is anything that allows us to connect with and experience those eight key attributes of the self. So if bubble baths and manicures make you feel confident and compassionate, then go for it. But remember, the intention behind any self-care act is to connect to who you really are, not to distract you from feelings or thoughts. Actually, those activities would be considered coping mechanisms rather than self-care (more information on that in another post). 

Self-care is: 

A way to recharge and recenter. 

A preventive action that boosts resiliency when hard feelings come about. 

Hard work. Sometimes it's choosing new healthy habits over old comfortable but unhealthy ones. It's learning to say no to others and even yourself sometimes.

About healing and growing more than anything else. Consistent self-care is working to bring you closer to your highest self.

Intentional. Self-care that is the most nourishing to our bodies and spirits is intentional about what actions to take and how they make us feel during and after. "After" being the key word here. Feeling good in the moment has its value, but what about after? How activities make us feel when we reflect on them is very important for creating a healthy mind space and building self-trust.

Here are some ideas for self-care that I've recognized as ways to elevate you to your higher self/connect you with your true self:

meditation/mindfulness

Spiritual practice/prayer

Exercises like yoga or dance

Art creation/art observation

Volunteering

Time in nature

Preparing a meal for yourself

Time with a hobby

These are just a few that help me connect with my true self. What about you? How do you take care of yourself? How do you feel afterward? Let me know in the comments below!

Til next time,

Take Care!

#healing #healingisalifestyle #mentalhealthawareness #self care #mindset #recovery #livingwithdepression #depressionawareness #mental health #self compassion #self love #mindfulawareness #living mindfully #selfcareadvocate

[fhealync]

Discovering the heart's GPS 🧭: Tips on how to truly connect with your loved ones ❤️. Dive deep into the art of genuine connection. #FamilyTies #hearttoheart #spreadlove #mentalhealth #nurturinglovedones #love #inspirational #SelfCareMatters #care #SelfLoveJourney #HealthyMindBody #familymatters #WellnessWarrior #connect #MindfulnessMatters #connectiontips #mentalhealthadvocates #mentalhealthcommunity #SelfCareCommunity #SelfCareAdvocate #mentalhealth #fhealync

#FamilyTies #hearttoheart #spreadlove #mentalhealth #nurturinglovedones #love #inspirational #SelfCareMatters #care #SelfLoveJourney #HealthyMindBody #familymatters #WellnessWarrior #connect #MindfulnessMatters #connectiontips #mentalhealthadvocates #mentalhealthcommunity #SelfCareCommunity #SelfCareAdvocate #fhealync

[yes-iamthemadhatter]

Rain on the rooftop, the laughter of babies, string instruments: these are a few of my favorite sounds. I'm aware that not everyone has the same ability with hearing, but if you can use hearing for self care here are some of my ideas. White noise can be relaxing and it can even help some people sleep. If you prefer nature sounds or even the sounds of being in a cafe while staying at home you can find all sorts of options using your phone. Another self care option for hearing would be unwinding by listening to your favorite music or a podcast. What ways do you use sound and hearing for self care? If you enjoyed this post, you might also like the other posts in my #selfcareforthesenses series. Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #selfcare #selfcarelove #selfcarefam #mentalwellness #mentalhealthadvocate #favoritesounds #whitenoise #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthisimportant #selfcarepost #stressreduction #stressrelieving #selfcareidea #selfcareideas #selfcareactivities #selfcarematters #selfcarecommunity #selfcarepost #selfcareposts #selfcareadvocate #nothingisordinary #myquietbeauty #seekthepositive #seekthesimplicity #simpleandstill #stillswithstories #theartofslowliving #thelifestyle #thesimpleeveryday (at Skamania County, Washington) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnBTYI_OqbR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#selfcareforthesenses #selfcare #selfcarelove #selfcarefam #mentalwellness #mentalhealthadvocate #favoritesounds #whitenoise #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthisimportant #selfcarepost #stressreduction #stressrelieving #selfcareidea #selfcareideas #selfcareactivities #selfcarematters #selfcarecommunity #selfcareposts #selfcareadvocate #nothingisordinary #myquietbeauty #seekthepositive #seekthesimplicity #simpleandstill #stillswithstories #theartofslowliving #thelifestyle #thesimpleeveryday

[gunjanhospital]

Navigating the journey of a fissure-in-ano with resilience and hope.

Navigating the journey of a fissure-in-ano with resilience and hope. Sharing my experience to spread awareness and support.

#FissureInAnoAwareness #HealingJourney #ChallengesOvercome #HealthAndWellness #PersonalWellbeing #EmpowerYourHealth #InvisibleStruggles #StayStrongTogether #SelfCareAdvocate #MindBodyConnection #WellnessWarrior #NavigatingHealth #SharingStories #EmbracingHealing #EmpowermentThroughHealth #InspiredLiving #RaiseAwareness #HealthMatters #OvercomingObstacles #ResilienceInHealth #MindfulWellness

[willowriverbloom]

I don't know how your day was but I hope it was good. If it wasn't good I'm sorry, and I hope tomorrow will be better. Take some time to just breathe tonight, listen to something relaxing, and be kind to yourself because you got through the day, and I'm glad you did. #selfcareadvocate #selflove #selfcare

[willowbloom]

Your daily reminder to care for yourself today because you matter, and you are worthy of care ♡ take your medication ♡ brush your teeth ♡ hydrate ♡ rest if you need to ♡ talk to someone if you're struggling ♡ get some fresh air if you can ♡ move your body if you're able to ♡ #selfcareadvocate #selflove #selfcare #bekindtoyourmind

[ignantgeek]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯 Reposted from @yngnsxy follow @yngnsxy for more positive & selfcare pics 🧩 take care 🖤 ⠀ #selflovepost #selflovematters #selfcarematters #selfcarepage #keepmotivated #keepmovingfoward #motivational_quotes #selfcareadvocate #selfcareadvice #youmakeiteasy #youareworthy #youarestrongerthanyouthink #youcandothis #takecareofyou #selfcareadvocate #youwerebornforthis #youwereborntoshine #whatifquotes #whatif #selfcarequotes #selfcare #selfcarethreads #selfcaredaily #positivethinker #positivethoughtspositivelife #dontwasteyourtime #dontwastetime #hiddenpotential https://www.instagram.com/p/CEji5dyhi06/?igshid=fbp1bftusduy

#selflovepost #selflovematters #selfcarematters #selfcarepage #keepmotivated #keepmovingfoward #motivational_quotes #selfcareadvocate #selfcareadvice #youmakeiteasy #youareworthy #youarestrongerthanyouthink #youcandothis #takecareofyou #youwerebornforthis #youwereborntoshine #whatifquotes #whatif #selfcarequotes #selfcare #selfcarethreads #selfcaredaily #positivethinker #positivethoughtspositivelife #dontwasteyourtime #dontwastetime #hiddenpotential

[slowdownjenna]

7 habits to a happy, healthy, less overwhelmed mind

#happymind #happy mind #happy mind happy life #healthy mind #self love #selflove #selfcareadvocate #emotionalwellbeing

[love-not-lost]

As we move into 4 retrograde this month...

#motivating quotes #life quote #quotes #qotd #qouteoftheday #selflove #selfcare #selfcareadvocate #dhiman #poetry #poetry by dhiman

[fhealync]

Embrace self-care without guilt. It's a powerful act of self-love and nurturing that fuels your ability to care for others. Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish, it's essential.

#SelfCare #SelfLove #NurturingYourself #love #inspirational #SelfCareMatters #PrioritizeYourself #SelfLoveJourney #HealthyMindBody #SelfCareIsntSelfish #WellnessWarrior #SelfLoveSunday #MindfulnessMatters #MeTimeMagic #LoveYourselfFirst #SelfCareGoals #SelfCareEveryday #SelfCareRoutine #SelfCareTips #SelfCareInspiration #SelfCareAwareness #SelfCareIsKey #selfcareweekdays #SelfCareCommunity #SelfCareAdvocate #mentalhealth #fhealync @fhealync

[yes-iamthemadhatter]

Reposting this one because I want to finish my #selfcareforthesenses series at some pointand it's been a while. This time I'm talking about sight. Now I'm aware that not everyone has the same ability with sight, but if you can use your sight for self care here are some ideas that I have. My first one is Fall leaves. If you're somewhere that the leaves are changing colors I highly recommend looking closely at them, maybe even collecting the ones that you like best, like I do. It can be a very relaxing activity (if you are able to get outdoors; I understand that some of us aren't able to for whatever reason). Pay attention to the differences in color, shape, and size. Maybe take some photos of a leaf bouquet like I did. If Fall leaves aren't your cup of tea try looking for nice pictures with Google or Instagram. My go-tos are sunsets, wildflowers, and cute animals. You can even save a folder of your favorites for when you need that pick-me-up. Other things you could look at are artwork, a pretty jigsaw puzzle as you put it together (I am all about the jigsaw puzzles), a coloring book as you color it, or any nice craft you are making. What other ideas do you have for using your sight for self care? Stop reading here, hashtags below. . . . . . . #selfcare #alliseeispretty #aseasonalshift #aseasonalyear #lookclosely #smalldetails #fallleaves #autumncolor #howihue #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #falldays #autumnlove #changingseasons #embracingaslowerlife #embracingtheseasons #nature_seekers #alovefornaturesbest #selfcareadvocate #selfcarefam #selfcarepost #mentalhealthisimportant #herpnw #madeinwashington #pnwsmallbusiness #pnwart #pnwmaker (at Pacific Northwest) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckhi8ebObHu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#selfcareforthesenses #selfcare #alliseeispretty #aseasonalshift #aseasonalyear #lookclosely #smalldetails #fallleaves #autumncolor #howihue #fallfeels #fallishere #fallseason #fallmood #falldays #autumnlove #changingseasons #embracingaslowerlife #embracingtheseasons #nature_seekers #alovefornaturesbest #selfcareadvocate #selfcarefam #selfcarepost #mentalhealthisimportant #herpnw #madeinwashington #pnwsmallbusiness #pnwart #pnwmaker

[tots5678]

Feeling so refreshed after spending a weekend unplugged and taking some time to do nothing, relax & just be in the moment. It’s so important that you take time to unplug from social media, responsibilities & the everyday cycle of your to do lists. Get somewhere quiet with no agenda other than just being in the moment. I gained so much clarity, enlightenment & peace of mind. It’s important to take time for you, even if it doesn’t make sense or it’s an unplanned thing. I took this weekend trip in obedience, disregarding my hesitancies and I’m so glad that I did. Blessed to be in the moment! When you trust God enough to take a break from the noise you can hear His voice much more clearly. Comment below why you think it’s important to unplug & take time for you...? #tiakirby #learnandloveyou #selfcareadvocate #heartofthematter #womenempowerment #womenshistorymonth #dallasblogger #travelblogger #beautyinlovinguou #selflove #beinthemoment https://www.instagram.com/tiakirby/p/BulwwUzFaSN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18jrwsdzdjjm9

#tiakirby #learnandloveyou #selfcareadvocate #heartofthematter #womenempowerment #womenshistorymonth #dallasblogger #travelblogger #beautyinlovinguou #selflove #beinthemoment

[goodnaturedskincare]

What does your self care look like? Let me know in the comments. . . #BeGoodToYourSelf . . . . #GoodNaturedSkincare #SkinCareJunkie #NaturalSkincare #SelfCareAdvocate #BeautyRitual #AfricanBeauty #SelfCareRitual (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/goodnaturedskincare/p/CXLZ3CLId6C/?utm_medium=tumblr

#begoodtoyourself #goodnaturedskincare #skincarejunkie #naturalskincare #selfcareadvocate #beautyritual #africanbeauty #selfcareritual

[willowriverbloom]

Don't forget to take your medication, drink some water, and rest if you need to #selfcareadvocate #selfcare

[chlojocreates]

For all of us anxious, worriers. Us guilt ridden self care lacking, overworked and run down humans, those of us in the rat race, keeping up appearances, giving ourselves a harder time than necessary. Here is a reminder that we can allow ourselves to be free 💋 #anxiety #guilt #mentalhealthawareness #selfcareadvocate #emotionalwellbeing #mentalwellness #emotionalinstability https://www.instagram.com/p/CVQsyL8MAI-/?utm_medium=tumblr

#anxiety #guilt #mentalhealthawareness #selfcareadvocate #emotionalwellbeing #mentalwellness #emotionalinstability

[rosaliem8]

A blog about health and wellness issues

#self care #selfcaregifts #selfcaretrends #selfcareproducts #selfcaretrendingproducts #selfcareAmazon #selfcareadvocate #selfcareblogger #selfcarebook #mindfulness #mindfulnessgifts #mindfulnesscolouring #Amazonhealth #wellness #wellnessproducts