Soul and Self-Care – Healthy Habits

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Do you practice self-care? Do you know what practicing self-care looks like? A lot of people would probably say no. I’ll be the one to tell you, self-care isn’t just important, it’s necessary. You might ask, well why?

Let’s start with what self-care actually is, it’s anything you do to keep your sanity; it’s whatever you find joy doing that helps maintain your emotional, mental, and if you choose, physical health. What do you enjoy doing? Maybe you like writing, playing the game, dancing, etc. all of these things could be a form of self-care. Yes, there are tons of articles and post about self-care and different techniques but you create your own and do what’s most comfortable for you.

For me, self-care looks differently depending on how I’m feeling. One day it might be a bubble bath, the next day it may be dedicating time to painting or self-reflecting. I may partake in a hobby, listen to music, do yoga, or simply just chill and relax. Other times I like to put my phone on do not disturb and remove myself from the outside world. Whatever works for you, do it. Dedicate some time for yourself because let’s be real, life gets very overwhelming and so do people since we’re keeping things honest.

Sometimes you have to separate yourself for your own well being and it’s nothing wrong with that. If you need to disappear or “go ghost” to get your soul and mind right don’t second guess yourself; people will understand. Even if they don’t, that’s too bad don’t spend your time explaining yourself either. Your wellness is more important than any relationship and that’s something that people have to learn to deal with. Mental health is sooo important and practicing self-care is a way to find that balance in your life that you may be missing. Disconnecting myself from social media and from social interaction is much needed sometimes, it’s like you come back from your hiatus refreshed and more focused. I’m not saying that self care is isolating yourself but it’s important that we learn to embrace our relationship with ourselves. Take a moment to simply relish in being and strengthening that self bond.

Self-care is a way to reconnect with yourself because it’s so easy to come apart and if you continue on it’s even easier to lose yourself and that’s something we don’t want to happen. How you gone win if you ain’t right within?

People now value and glorify this notion of always being busy as if that’s the way of saying “Look at me I’m doing something with my life“. Being busy 24/7 is not the only way to become successful, I understand that we are all working towards something but don’t let people beat that idea into your head. You NEED time to reflect, enjoy life, and time to breathe and relax. I don’t feel the need to be busy all of the time as long as I know I am doing what I need to do in regards to my life and goals. I never feel bad about taking a 6 hour nap or laying around when my body or mind calls for relaxation.

I value my mental and emotional health and it’s unhealthy to overwork yourself without taking care of you in the process.

Self-care doesn’t always have to be done alone either, find a person or group of people you enjoy spending time with. Have a girls night, invite the guys over to hang. Spa day? Sounds good to me. Ice cream and movies? I’m down, don’t forget the toppings! Your support system is your support system for a reason, utilize your resources. I care about all of us, especially when it comes to our mental health and the black community. Depression is often overlooked which leads to things not properly being handled. Please devote some time to yourself, even if it’s not often, when you feel yourself getting to that point of constantly being agitated and down/upset, take a moment to simply be and relax yourself. It’s a way to help avoid mental breakdowns. Do what brings you joy and whatever helps you cope with the downside of life. Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, smile and love on yourself more.

Don’t know where to start in your journey to self-care? Here’s some things to do tonight to start you off, if none of these are your cup of tea, go with the flow and create your own:

• Meditate for 10 minutes (ex: relax your mind and body, imagine yourself on the beach listening to the waves crashing against the sand)
• Soak in a relaxing bath or take a hot shower.
• Have a soothing cup of herbal tea or drink of choice.
• Light some candles or dim the lights.
• Put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb and stay off of Social Media.
• Turn off the TV.
• Read a chapter or two from your favorite book or find something new to read.
• Write in your gratitude journal/self-reflect. Don’t have one? Try it out, grab a piece of paper and start writing whatever comes to mind, vent to yourself.
• Declutter your space (it works wonders for making you feel less stressed, a clean space = a less jumbled mind)

Thank you for reading, Be Blessed & Stay Humble.

Interested in checking out my first two self-published books? Head over to my site: $elf – choose you always.