What Is Self-Care?

With all the hype around self-care right now, with all the different ideas and all the different

given meanings; it's easy to get lost in what it actually is. So I thought I'd add my 2 pence into the mix.

So what is it? The thing about self-care is that it's just that; caring for yourself, it's all about you! So when someone else says 'self-care is this' or 'self-care is that', they're not exactly wrong, but that just might not be the methods for you. The truth is, it's individual to you. What works for others may not work for you, and what works for you may not be anyone else's cup of tea.

What is my self-care?

Mine is probably not for many people. It mostly revolves around water. Isak Dinesen wrote “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” and honestly that works for me. Plus cake, or desserts. Desserts are definitely self-care and I won't hear any comments otherwise.

One method I use is the shower, when I need to clear my head or when I feel like I need to wash off some negativity I'll sit under the water for a bit. It's relaxing, brings me back to myself and makes me feel a little lighter sometimes. It's not a cure and doesn't work for really bad moods, but sometimes I just need to sit under it.

My favourite method though, is a rain walk. I introduced it to my kids many years ago too and they still ask to go on a rain walk even to this day! There's just something about being outside in heavy rain and walking around that just heals a part of my soul that nothing else can.

I never care how wet I get, and when the kids come when get to splash around because why not? I don't use an umbrella, though I bet that sounds nice as you hear the rain hitting the plastic. I need the rain to almost wash away whatever is weighing me down and no matter how soaked I get, I go home feeling lighter. Again, this isn't a cure and some moods just keep me in bed, but for some this is absolutely perfect and I cannot recommend it enough if you've never tried it. Plus, petrichor is my absolute favourite smell.

Sometimes what I want is a homemade cheesecake, or Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice cream. Even though I'm trying to lose weight, I'll allow myself a little gentle handling when I'm having a tough time. I can always work it off another time, my goal at that moment is just to feel a bit better.

Your self-care methods may look completely different, or you may not have even discovered what they are yet. It could be a heavy gym workout, or a blanket and movie. It could even be finishing that task you've been putting off for the dopamine high. The thing is, nobody can you tell what the correct method of self-care is, because I believe it really is something you have to discover for yourself. If you're lost or can't find anything that works for you, then do try out suggestions from other people, but there are no set laws on what it should be. A £100 manicure? Why not if it makes you feel better. That designer bag you've been wanting, if you can buy it without feeling guilty afterwards then go get it, but don't buy it if you'll feel worse than you do now. Cake? Get a fork and eat as much as you want!

Let's also not forget that self-care doesn't only apply when you're feeling low. You deserve to be treated with care all the time and a little prevention never hurt anybody. A reward for working hard? Sure! A little gift to yourself for making through a week of work? Why not? Order pizza, or doughnuts, or buy a little robot vacuum so you have less tasks to do. I understand the hypocrisy of what I'm about to say, but I fully believe that reducing your workload or making things easier for yourself in the long run IS a form of self-care.

Experiment, find what works for you and reach for it whenever you need to, or want to. I'd love to hear about all the different types of self-care you guys do and what you've tried & tested on your journey. Maybe a long hike? I think I might actually grab some walking boots and take the kids to the peak district soon for a long walk if I'm able, hips depending.

Drop your suggestions below, I'd love to hear them and maybe it'll help someone else find their method too!

Be Well

Suzanne

Disclaimer: The images used within this post are AI, solely because I couldn't find the images I had taken that I was going to use. They will be swapped in time but the text is all written by me :)