Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

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Even if you’ve never flown before, I’m sure you’re aware of the speech given by the flight attendants as you taxi down the runway.  They tell you, in case of an emergency, to put on your own face mask first – before you help those around you. We all seem to understand their logic. How can we help others if we can’t breathe?

The same holds true for us in our daily lives.

You have to be sure you’re as healthy and strong as possible before you can begin to take care of others.

As those that suffer from chronic illness, we become very compassionate for the trials and health concerns of others. We tend to empathize and encourage others to listen to their bodies and give it what it needs to function at its best ability.

Now consider for a moment – would you suggest that a friend care for herself the way you care for yourself?

Maybe you’re better than me at the whole self-care thing. But it’s been a learning process. (Just how does a type A personality handle chronic illness?)

I’d like to offer you 9 suggestions on how you can exercise healthy self-care:

1. Take time each day to renew your spirit. Take a few moments to read a passage of scripture. If the brain fog makes it too hard to read, you can always watch a sermon on YouTube or listen to a podcast.

2. Surround yourself with things you love. Be sure the area you go to relax has all your favorite things. If you head toward a favorite chair, be sure it’s not surrounded by a mound of clutter. Make it a little haven for relaxation. Have a table available to set down a cup of tea, your bible, a journal, a candle or the television remote. Whatever you’d like to have at arms reach for a time of total relaxation.

3. Move your body. We all have different limitations but it’s important to move your body each day.  Even some gentle stretches and deep breathing can benefit your body. I know the thought of exercise might seem impossible. Here’s a great article at Goodtherapy.org that offers more details on the benefits of exercise.

• Talk to your doctor about which form of exercise is best for you. Your local YMCA offers classes in gentle warm water exercises that can help with pain and muscle soreness. But the possibilities of ways to get moving are endless. Pick something you enjoy and go for it!
• Start slow. Even one minute per day of walking if that’s the most you can do. Then after a few days of walking for a minute, increase it to two minutes.
• Include a friend. Setting up time with your bestie to go for a walk will make exercise more enjoyable and add another degree of self-care – connection with loved ones.

4. Say no. Don’t ever give an immediate yes. Always tell someone you’ll get back to them after you check your schedule.  Don’t give excuses – to be honest, most people won’t understand your reason anyway.  Remember, people don’t get it until they get it (chronic illness). Simply say no.

5. Spend time doing something fun. Adult coloring books seem to be a big item right now. Grab one and re-live part of your childhood.  Play a game with a loved one or work on a puzzle. Watch a comedy. Read a good book while soaking in a warm bubble bath.

6. Connect with someone you love.  Reach out to a friend, family member, etc. Make sure it’s someone who is encouraging and not a Debbie Downer. When the connection is for the purpose of self-care, you want the phone call or visit to leave you feeling better.

7. Practice gratitude. I wrote this post the other day about being grateful when you don’t really feel like it. Write out a few things you’re thankful for. It’s an easy way to brighten your day. Write a thank-you note to someone. It seems the art of handwritten notes is going extinct but a simple note to say thanks and let them know how much they mean to you will boost your own mood as well as the recipients.

8. Eat food to nourish your body. Give your body a meal focused on nutrients. We tend to think of junk food or high-carb “comfort foods” when it comes to a food treat. But in reality, it is more beneficial to your body to eat nutrient-dense foods.

9. Stop the guilt. Don’t get trapped into negative self-talk about what you can and can’t do. Like I said earlier, would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself. No, you’d encourage your friend to relax and allow her body, mind, and soul some time to rejuvenate. Be a friend to yourself. Allow yourself to live by the advice you’d give your BFF.

So what about you? What is your favorite way to exercise self-care?

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Here's a few more posts you might like:

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