Self-care is #trending right now. From self-care grams to product marketing slogans, it's taken over the world. Which is a GREAT thing, especially after a year and a half of uneasiness, drastic change, and a global shift in priorities. But with all trends, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of individuality when a plethora of information, examples, or “do this for that!” is thrown at you. Plus self-care, innately, is a very individual thing (the word ‘self’ is in there, after all). So we feel it’s time to put aside the stereotypical bubble baths and face masks and dive into what self-care is for YOU.
The first step is to connect with your authentic self. Because here’s the thing: you can’t fully care for yourself unless you embrace who you truly are. Which makes sense, doesn’t it? How can you give yourself exactly what you need – or anyone for that matter – if you are disconnected from the real you? Sure, you can go with what everyone else is doing, following trends or best practices for traditional self-care, but what will fulfill you the most at the end of the day is focusing on your individual needs.
You’re one of a kind, and what may work for someone else may not be the best for you. So, our challenge for you is to dig deep. Connect with your inner self, accept the real you, and celebrate who you are through self-love and uninhibited self-expression.
Once you’ve connected with who you truly are, start focusing on your individual needs rather than conforming to what you feel you should be doing for yourself. Pay attention to your thought process, emotions, and how you physically feel in different situations. For example, tune in to how you feel at different points throughout the workday. Are there certain situations that bring on stress or unpleasant emotions? In these moments, where does your mind go? What physical reactions do you notice? And finally, what do you do to care for yourself when these moments strike? After this practice, if you can confidently say your reaction and self-care steps brought you peace, you’re on the right path. But if they didn’t, consider whether your action steps came from internal or external sources. Many of us tend to cope or care for ourselves by doing what we think we should do vs. what we need to do.
Does lighting a candle, meditating, or journaling bring you the stress relief you need? Or does setting boundaries, saying no, and turning off your phone bring true peace of mind? If you are innately a social person, or someone who needs social distraction at this point in life, maybe a day alone with your thoughts isn’t best for you. Our real selves require intentional attention rather than surface-level, one-size-fits-all treatments. If we are to care for ourselves, we need to care for this inner world – this is who we truly are, after all. And caring for the real you is the most beautiful form of self-expression you can give.
Beginning today, we challenge you to embrace your individuality and care for yourself in the same way you care for the ones you love. Give yourself the love and support you really need, uplift that inner world of yours, and let that internal confidence bring self-expression to all that you do.
