Sometimes, Self Care Feels Like Work

With our busy, whirlwind lives, it seems like self care should be an oasis. An opportunity to slow down, unplug, take a break. Something that comes naturally.

In many cases, self care does feel that way. Sometimes, however, self care can take a little more effort, and that’s OK.

When Self Care Feels Like Work

Sometimes, self care means blocking off some alone time, even though everything/everyone else (yourself included) is telling you that you that that time would be “better spent” doing work or keeping busy. That’s OK.

Sometimes, self care means being productive and getting things done so that you don’t have to worry about them anymore. That’s OK.

Sometimes, self care means planning a gathering so that you can surround yourself with friends and family you love. That’s OK.

Sometimes, self care means dragging yourself to the gym or outside, because you know that you’ll feel good about it afterward. Sometimes, it means staying home and resting, while trying your best to quiet those voices that are telling you that you “should” be moving. Both are OK.

Sometimes, self care means taking the time and effort to prepare food that is tasty and nourishing. Sometimes, it means getting delivery or popping a frozen meal in the microwave, because you just. can’t. even. Both are OK.

Sometimes, self care means reading a book, or signing up for a course, so that you can learn more about yourself and/or the world around you and grow as a person. That’s OK.

At the end of the day, self care is about filling your own cup, whichever way you choose. It’s about building resilience, so that you can continue to put your energy out into the world. Sometimes, it can be as simple as “recharging your batteries”, but other times, it takes time, energy and effort. In those moments, you may notice some self-doubt – shouldn’t this be easy? Shouldn’t this come naturally? In a world that often values productivity and efficiency, it’s normal for self care to feel unnatural and selfish. To that I say – aren’t you worth it? Isn’t your world worth it?