The Importance Self-Care

Hello again!

I’m excited that you found me on the web. You’re here, I’m here, let’s chat. Hmmm…. What’s a good topic today? Fire Safety month? Important, but I’ll come back to that one later. Quick and easy food recipes? Also, important, but not “it” for today. Let’s talk about the importance of self-care. 

I have heard many people say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” I’ve even said it myself. Think about it, if there is nothing in the cup, there is nothing to pour out. I have also heard others say that it is a toxic phrase. Implying that you are only taking care of yourself so that you are able to take care of others. Let me start by saying, more than one thing can be true. Especially, when we take into account the general situation (e.g., the environment and/or setting events) that may be occurring. However, I would like to approach this from the point of “the overflow.”

I look at my cup being empty as me being in a state of burnout. At that point, I may not be sleeping well. I’m exhausted. My nerves are frayed, and I probably don’t know (to quote and old phrase) “if I’m coming or going.” If I’m at a state of burnout, I can’t remember anything. My life is running on sticky notes, notes in my phone, and lists to keep me on track. I am definitely not feeling my best at that point because I’m in survival mode. 

In that moment, it is important for me to get back to center. I try to manage stress and other emotions in the most positive way possible. Meditation, morning routines, and exercise are a few of the things I do to help keep me balanced. Sometimes, I need to take a break to have a cup of tea, or go for a walk. I try to do something that I enjoy like cooking or gardening (don’t judge).

In a society that prizes busyness and rewards us for working around the clock, I had to learn to take some time for myself. Because when my head is clear, I am able to help my family and yours. I am able to help build the community that I dream about. When I rest and rejuvenate on a regular basis, my cup isn’t just full it runs over. I am better able to focus on the tasks that I need to accomplish. I find that I take more joy in the little things. I am also able to make the mundane tasks of life more enjoyable (e.g., cleaning or folding the laundry with the music on). If I feel like I’m stuck on something, sometimes a short dance party in my living room helps. 

I say all of this to say, find something that you can do to help boost your mood. Something you enjoy. Something to keep you going. If you have an example of something you do and feel it might help someone else, feel free to put it in the comments section. Can’t come up with anything for you to do? Contact me and let’s see if we can come up with a few things for you to try. 

I hope you have a wonderful day,

Barbara