
We live in a world where we are constantly being judged, ridiculed, criticized, and put down. This can be traumatizing when it is coming from a loved one, superior, or a friend, but can be just as damaging if not more, when one feels and thinks it about themselves. We can be our own biggest critic at times and hinder our own growth and happiness. There becomes a time when we must step out of our own minds, and take time to find peace and happiness. Self care is a very important aspect that can be overlooked with the hustle of everyday life. In a society where one is expected to work and maintain a living, someone may go to work, come home, cook, pick up the kids, clean, do homework, and several other duties that make a 24 hour day appear to not be enough time to even breath. Lets not forget finding time to sleep and regroup for the next day when you get to start all over again. Not only are you tired with the day, but here comes the judgement, criticizing, and put downs. “When do I get to breath?”, “I need a break!”, “I could simply scream!” These are all statements that we have all felt and maybe said out loud before. Self care does not look the same for everyone and does not have to be a time consuming measure. Self care is exactly like it sounds; taking time to care for self. Please take a look at a few self care items listed below to implement into your daily routine for peace and happiness.
We would be happy to help you start a self care program; Call us today to set up an appointment!
Blog Written By: Constance West, Counseling Intern
- Exercising/ fitness- This does not have to be a 2 hour workout. Exercising and physical fitness can be simply taking a walk and having the chance to have a change of scenery to get some fresh air. This can also include a bike ride, or playing in the yard with the kids. There are several blogs and articles that provide workouts and routines for parents with children that allow for children to exercise with the parent. This can allow for a release of endorphins and stress, but an interaction with the kids as well!
- Sleep- This can be one of the first things to go when the aspects of life set in. We have all heard that we should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep. This number can differ by age as someone in their teens may need more sleep than someone in late adulthood. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact number but a lack of sleep can lead to health problems, lack of energy, and an onset of depression.
- Healthy/ Eating- Comfort food is an easy fix to what can become an extended problem. It is easy to stop by the closest fast food restaurant, get that bowl of ice cream, or drink a soda. Despite the fact that these items may taste delicious, the toll that they can take on the body can affect our health and self image. One does not have to give up everything that they enjoy, but try trading that ice cream for a bowl of fruit or using olive oil instead of butter when cooking, and make sure you are drinking water. Small steps that can lead to big results in the long run for your health.
- Find a Hobby- When is the last time that you did something just for fun? Find something that you enjoy doing that simply makes you smile. This can include drawing, crafting, exercising, dancing, playing a sport, singing, playing the video game etc.
We would be happy to help you start a self care program; Call us today to set up an appointment!
Blog Written By: Constance West, Counseling Intern