"I lied and said I was busy.
I was busy;
but not in a way most people understand.
I was busy taking deeper breaths.
I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.
I was busy calming a racing heart.
I was busy telling myself I am okay.
Sometimes, this is my busy -
and I will not apologize for it."
― Brittin Oakman
The idea behind how self-care is perceived can vary from person to person. As, there is no unit of measurement for what self-care is. In the mainstream world, the idea of self-care is mostly romanticized, and really getting into self-care and working on it can feel like a daunting task.
It can even feel so because we don't feel worthy. How you think about your health and wellness is how you plan to act on it. If you focus on everything negative in your life, you probably won't feel like you deserve self-care. This effect is part of the 'negativity bias.' We often set unreasonable expectations for ourselves, and when we don't meet them, we feel shame and guilt, which makes us angry with ourselves. Self-care requires effort, support, love and acceptance. It takes time and energy, but it is the most important thing a person can do for their health.
Self-care and your Mind
The mind has an initial resistance to technique that alters the nature of its movement, a movement that has been allowed for years and years. When a new paradigm is introduced, it finds very clever ways to veer away from it in order to sustain its programming. That is its nature. Don't beat it up.
So this is actually quite common. The mind doesn't have will. YOU have will. We say the will of the mind. That's okay, but will is SELF force flowing through the mind. The mind is an instrument of that will. What you allow the mind to do, it will do. What you insist it changes, it must comply with.
It is not how long, but how consistently you are. It is the act of using your will to do those things consistently that creates new patterns in the mind, not how long you do each thing.
There are a few main reasons why self-care can be difficult, even though we recognize its importance:
Competing priorities and responsibilities: Many people, especially those with dependents or demanding jobs, find it difficult to find time for self-care. Concern about caring for nursing when there are so many other pressing needs and responsibilities. Caring for others can often come first.
Often, single parents find it difficult to prioritize self-care, as juggling their children and household chores can feel difficult. Taking time for a walk may feel too much.
Guilt and selfishness: Some people feel guilty or selfish when they put their own needs and well-being before the needs and well-being of others. There may be a misconception that self-care is inherently selfish.
Individuals who are full-time caregivers to their chronically ill family members may find it selfish to indulge in self-care activities as they may feel obliged to be available for the family member all the time.
Lack of self-awareness: Many people have difficulty recognizing their own needs and limitations. Without clear self-awareness, it's harder to create effective self-care routines.
Many working professionals may lack the awareness to indulge in self-care, burdened with loads of office work and showing unexplained irritability. You might not be aware that your body needs rest.
Difficulty forming new habits: Self-care often requires developing new habits and routines, which can be difficult, especially when life is already busy and stressful.
This can be a result of a packed schedule, unexplained work, or just a lack of willpower to pursue your thoughts.
Consider these realistic steps to help balance self-care with your responsibilities to others:
Schedule: Block out specific hours on your calendar for self-care activities, just as you would other important responsibilities.
Start small: Even 10-15 minutes of self-care daily can make a difference. Focus on simple, doable tasks like taking a walk, taking deep breaths, or reading a few pages of a book.
Involve your loved ones: Explain the importance of self-care to those who depend on you and ask for their support. See if they can take on some tasks to free up your time.
Prioritize Your Needs: Identify your most important self-care needs, whether it's getting enough sleep, eating healthy, or exercising regularly. Focus on meeting their basic needs first.
Be flexible and forgiving: Realize that self-care is an ongoing process, and there will be days when it is harder to maintain. Don't be too hard on yourself, but adjust your approach as needed.
The key is to start small, be consistent and remember that taking care of yourself will ultimately help you better care for those who depend on you.
Embarking on the journey of self care is about making continuous efforts to connect with yourself and build meaningful connections with others. Solh can be your supportive companion on this path. Feeling difficult to start your journey of self care?
Solh understands. We offer a variety of features to help you invest in self care.
Journaling for Self-Reflection: Sometimes,not being able to care for yourself can come from the lack of self-understanding. Solh's journaling feature allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe space. By reflecting on your experiences and desires, you can gain clarity on what is stopping you from self care.
Anonymous Support Groups: You are not alone. Solh's anonymous support groups connect you with others who understand the struggle. Share your experiences, find comfort in solidarity, and discover new perspectives on overcoming the hurdle to indulge in self care.
Solh Buddy: Feeling lost or disconnected? Your Solh Buddy, a personalized virtual companion, is here to provide encouragement and support along the way. It can offer prompts, celebrate your victories, and remind you of your strengths as you navigate the journey towards self care.
Talk now: Sometimes self care can make you feel overwhelmed. Solh’s talk now feature gives you access to dedicated counselors to help you navigate such situations.
Solh believes in a unique approach introducing self care. We empower you to take charge of your well-being by offering a variety of tools. Explore Solh today and discover the power of self-reflection, connection, and support in overcoming any problem of the mind. You are not alone on this path.
