Self Care

by Rachel Miller, PT, DPT

Self Care.  What does that phrase mean to you?
There is not one right answer.  I believe self care is what helps “fill your cup”, something that you are doing for yourself.  Something that you do not NEED to do, but that you want to do.  Self care is important for both your physical and mental health- though some activities can help both.
Life for many of us is busy, even hectic at times.  When our world was on pandemic pause in 2020, it was a reset.  Many people had a chance to re-evaluate what was important to them and what relationships and activities they wanted to continue, and what to release. As we re-entered the world, we could choose which activities to return to, and think about how busy we wanted to be.  For some of you, life probably looks similar to how it did before.  For many of you, it doesn’t.  And it is easy to be swept up into the hustle and bustle so do not forget to  recharge.
When my son was a newborn, my self care was taking a shower without worrying about a crying baby at any moment, going to the store by myself, or going to a workout class. Yes, I know most of us need to shower and go to the store- but often that was showering with a crying baby in the bouncer and going to the store without lugging the car seat in and out.  Now that my kids are a little bit older, my self care has changed.  It is working out.  It is getting a pedicure once in a while. It is making sure to schedule a girls night out.  A date night.  For you, that may look different.  Self care is about prioritizing YOU and doing things that bring you joy.
A few other ideas to help get your mind thinking in the right direction…  

• Get outside and go for a walk or run. Listen to your favorite song or a podcast
  
• Write in a journal- Don’t know where to start?  Write down three things you are grateful for each day
  
• Relax and take a bath
  
• Meditate
  
• Get a massage, a facial, or whatever else you like at a spa
  

Keep thinking… think about what you LOVE to do that you no longer have in your life.  Do you love tennis?  Can you join a tennis league?  Or set up a time to play with someone?  We are all good at making excuses, especially those of us who have kids.  Isn’t it important to do something for ourselves? I challenge you to add one thing this month for your self care, doesn’t matter how big or small.  You deserve it.