Self-care. Hear the word and picture it, now tell me what you see. What does that picture look like for you? Forget about what you’ve heard it is or what someone else said about it.
Are you into self care activities done in the comfort of your home or are you more of a spend-on-it type? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” To be quite honest, when we engage in self-care activities that reduce stress and promote well-being, we’re automatically taking care of our body, soul and mind.
What Type of Self-Care Speaks to You?
When you hear “self-care”, what first comes to mind? A movie with your feet soaking, a glass of wine in your hand and that show on Netflix? Or, do you see yourself wrapped in the robe from a luxurious spa with your hair piled on top of your head turban-style and well-manicured fingers wrapped around the stem of a glass of champagne?
If you’re the type of person who’d opt for self-care at home, things that you can get into may cost a bit, but it is far from the price tag known to be associated with professional services. Self-care at home includes,but isn’t limited to, soaking and scrubbing your feet, doing a face mask, whipping up a brunch with mimosas, painting your nails, getting into a yoni steam, shaving your legs and intimates and much more. An idea for a relaxing evening with yourself can go along the lines of running a movie night. This movie night, however, can be a binge-fest of your favorite things to watch coupled with snacks and finger foods. Throw in a chilled bottle of wine and beverages of your choice, and you’ve got at least two hours of pure relaxation and enjoyment.
On the other hand, you may be into brunching at restaurants, grabbing drinks from juice bars and committing to full days at the spa. The other side of self-care is the side that makes it feel as if it’s only for the well-off and, of course, the rich and famous. A typical day with a price tag will probably include a body wrap, a massage with a facial and mani-pedi, a vegan lunch and something fun to drink. For some it can look like checking into a hotel for a day pass and a night, even hopping a flight to another state, country or island to catch one of your favorite artistes in concert. Some days it just be a Cryotherapy session and therapy with the day ending with dining at an expensive restaurant.
Speaking of ending the night, wrapping up the topic of self-care, nothing screams feel-good and taking care of yourself louder than masturbation. We have long passed the days where this act was looked upon through shameful eyes. Now, it is a well embraced mood enhancer, de-stresser, sleep enhancer and giver of good feels. Whether you’re a lady or a guy, masturbation is a great way to spend time with yourself in a very intimate way. As a plus, with this type of self-care, you can definitely skip the face mask and the wine glass and go straight to grabbing a nut by yourself.
Whatever the type of self-care you feel drawn to, just know that taking time to yourself and for yourself is not selfish. In fact, it is often said that one cannot pour from an empty cup. Therefore, be calling in sick or taking a mental health day, you owe it to yourself to tap in from time to time with yourself. Self-care also doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag attached to it. A simple walk or jog, going to get ice-cream, yoga, Tai Chi, deep breathing, relaxing with a show or even being outside looking at a view, just letting go and thinking can all give you the rest and relaxation you need to get back to life.
Once again,
you can’t pour from an empty cup.
