If you have ever taken a flight, surely you’ve heard the announcement, in the case of an emergency landing “secure your mask first before assisting others.” Thinking in this fashion is a good rule of thumb for self-care in general.
Before extending care out to others, make sure you have taken care of yourself. And yes, this includes parents. Don’t get me wrong. There is a difference between self-care and selfishness. No one is advising you to go on a shopping spree and dismiss your parental responsibilities to allay yourself on a stressful day. But it does mean you should be prioritizing your basic needs high up on the list to be able to properly care for others.
So what does self-care look like?
Self-care is taking the time to put yourself together. For some, that means making a salon appointment or getting a mani-pedi. But it doesn’t stop there. While external care can be the easiest to recognize, internal care is equally (and sometimes more) important.
“Outer beauty is gained on the inside first. Focusing on self-love, self-care, and valuing our bodies, we are able to radiate beautiful energy on the outside” says Darlene Johnson, esthetician, herbalist, womb wellness practitioner, and co-owner of Her Secret Garden V-Steam.
This may require asking your mother-in-law to watch the kids for an hour if you aren’t able to hire a baby-sitter. Use the much-needed time for a scheduled detox at the spa or an appointment with a therapist.
Self-care is one of the best ways to keep balance in your life; aligning your emotions and physical health. It should never be seen as a “reward”. As parents and possibly caregivers to others in our lives, many times we tend to neglect ourselves. This can be due to a lack of resources and limited time. But moving your personal needs up the totem pole only improves the care you can provide others and positively impacts the lives of all involved.
Make the time for the important things; not only for your family but also for you.
