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What Does Self-Care Actually Mean?

We all have some form of self-care routine, but what does self-care actually mean? Knowing this might help us figure out how to do it better!


by Troop Atomic Mommy

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We all know that we should look after ourselves, but what does self-care actually mean? Do you know who to implement self-care routines? Do you know what’s entailed in creating a self-care routine?

If the answers to the questions boggles you, then you’re in the right place because today, we’re going to be taking a detailed look at what it means to look after yourself and why it’s so important. We’ll even dispel some of the common myths about self-care so that you can make sure you’re doing what’s right for you.

This photo is of a person sitting on cliff raising up both hands. It is meant to represent what self-care actually means.
Photo by Tetyana Kovyrina on Pexels.com

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is often thought of as something frivolous or selfish, but nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, self-care is essential for our physical and mental health. When we take the time to care for ourselves, we’re able to recharge our batteries and face the world with a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm. It can be anything from planning a mini getaway to choosing to invest in dental implants for your own health and happiness.

Self-care literally means doing any activity deliberately in order to take care of our physical, mental, or emotional health. It’s about taking the time to nurture ourselves so that we can be our best selves. Contrary to popular belief, self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes out of your day to relax or curl up with a good book.

To do your time justice, it’s important to find activities that work for your personality and make you feel good. Only you know what will help you relax and rejuvenate, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find something that works for you.

Why is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is important because it helps us stay healthy both physically and mentally. When we make time for self-care, we’re able to reduce stress and promote positive thinking. Additionally, self-care can help us ward off illness by boosting our immunity. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of those around us. We all have a responsibility to ourselves to prioritize our health and wellbeing.

Common Myths About Self-Care

One of the biggest myths about self-care is that it’s selfish. This couldn’t be further from the truth! When we take care of ourselves, we’re actually better equipped to take care of others because we’re less likely to get sick and stressed out. Taking care of ourselves also helps in eliminating loss of patience and compassion for others.

Another myth about self-care is that it it is too time consuming. This simply isn’t the case– as we mentioned earlier, self-care can be as simple as taking a few minutes out of your day to relax or to listen to your favorite song. You don’t need to spend a lot of time on self-care– just do whatever makes you feel good!

Lastly, some people believe that they don’t deserve self-care because they don’t have enough money to put towards it. This is an unhealthy way of thinking– everyone deserves self-care regardless of their financial situation! If you can’t afford a pricey massage or spa day, there are plenty of free or affordable ways to practice self-care (like taking a nature walk or writing in a journal). Prioritizing your health and wellbeing should never be contingent upon your finances.

The Takeaway

Now that you know more about what self-care is and why it’s important, it’s time to start incorporating it into your life! If you don’t already have a self-care routine, now is the perfect time to start creating one. And if you already have a routine but feel like it’s time to improve it, then now is a time for tweaking! Remember, there are no wrong answers when it comes to self-care. Just do whatever makes you feel good!


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