Wholeness Healing Center

Self Care – More Critical Than Ever

Having been through one of the toughest years ever (and we are only half through it), I want to approach this topic of self-care in a different way. Often, we talk about self-care being important, but we also imply that we have choices in fitting it in or not. There is also an undercurrent that we still have to fit everyone  and everything else into our schedule when we take time for ourselves. Yet, we are in the midst of a year like no other. The stress levels have been high. The physical health concerns are in our face. Mental health issues show their ugly face when we least expect it.

We have worked to get our footing as we try to find a way to be physically, emotionally and financially safe. Keeping our immune system working efficiently has been a priority. Good mental health impacts our immune support and shouldn’t be underrated. Both are enhanced with our self-care routines.

The unpredictability in so many realms really does make it difficult to find our rhythm, our routine and our peace. Self-care may be the last thing we are worrying about as we have many other people and things to put in our sights. Survival may be one of them. However, self-care is where it all starts.

Self care doesn’t mean we have to have a massage and get our hair done. We lost access to those services back in March and April when we needed self-care more than ever. Self care means we make ourselves a priority because ultimately, that is all we can do for those we love. We practice getting regular sleep, eating healthy, routine exercise, drinking water, taking our vitamins, having some down time when we can let our mind rest, saying “no” when it isn’t right for us to say “yes” or when someone might get angry, letting others take care of themselves when they can while we model how it looks to take care of oneself.

Self care is a discipline that requires setting some strong boundaries and keeping a schedule that works these things in because you make them a priority. This doesn’t mean it is easy or it always feels good. It means you structure your days and your time to fit “you” into the schedule. Because at the end of the day, you feeling replenished, refreshed, energized and healthy actually does gift those around you. You stay healthy, both physically and mentally, and those around you flourish in your aura of well-being. If we have learned anything during the COVID-19 crisis, it might be that we are interdependent on each other and what one part does matters to the whole. Make sure you are doing your part with what you can do! Take care of you.

Tags: Making yourself a priority during the pandemic, Self care and COVID, self care is a discipline, Self Care isn't an option during COVID