Self-Care: Not What You Think!

The idea of self-care sounds selfish, doesn’t it? But what if you turn the words around: taking care of yourself. Wait! You’re thinking, “That’s what consumes all my time!” But, do you take time to do something you WANT to do. Or, do you spend all your time doing what you HAVE to do or NEED to do? All of us invisibly disabled people need stress relief, a component of which is good self-care.

People don’t survive very well emotionally, psychologically, or physically if they’re overwhelmed with “have-to’s.”

These pictures are of self-care activities undertaken by invisibly disabled people doing something he or she wanted to. Sometimes, though, it seems like it takes all day long just to accomplish the have-to-do list. Put enough of those “have-to” days together, and you can wind up with a stressed-out person. Or maybe, a burned-out man. Possibly, a discouraged or depressed woman.

So, hobbies—or anything you enjoy—are methods of self-care and necessary for good emotional health. They’re not selfish indulgences. (Well, if you take them to an extreme, they might be.) They’re a way to let off steam, a vent for the frustration of always being busy, never being able to accomplish everything. Take time for fun and relaxation, anything you enjoy—just because you want to.

Doing so is good for your emotions, your soul, even your body. After this break, you’ll be able to return to all those have-to’s with a renewed mind.

Below are a few of the activities my friends do just because they want to.

• Draw or paint whatever takes your fancy.
• Go to the spa.
• Cook something just because you want to.
• Learn a new craft or do a project of your own choosing.
• Get a special haircut.
• Listen to favorite, uplifting music.
• Do anything that relaxes you.
• Help someone else.
• Watch a funny movie or read a funny book.
• Engage in prayer/meditation.
• Figure out a crossword puzzle.
• Mow the lawn or plant a garden.
• Read an uplifting book.
• Sing whatever you like.
• Look around you for humor.
• Talk to or visit a friend.
• Go shopping just for fun—not because you have to.
• Write that novel you’ve been wanting to.
• Enjoy your pet, or a friend’s pet.
• Get out in nature or look at pictures of it.
• Photograph a subject you like.

How do you begin to take time for something you want to do just because you want to?

Find time.

• Intentionally look for time.
• Schedule it, if that works for you.
• Or just spontaneously do it.

Be proactive

• List 10-20 things you like to do.
  • Include free or low-cost activities if money’s tight.
• Use that list when you feel the need to get away from it all for just a little while.

Take care of your emotional health.

Now, I have to go rest, or my body will force me to later. But, after that, I’m going to do some fun work on PhotoShop! I'm one of those invisibly disabled people who need stress relief.

See you in two weeks. —Connected Carole