When you think of self-care, what comes to mind? One of the most common barriers to self-care is guilt, according to experts. Of course, making time for yourself means prioritizing your needs and desires – but it’s about respecting yourself, not indulging yourself. It's not optional, and it's not a sign of weakness or vanity.
Rather than being something you do only when you feel overwhelmed, self-care can be a regular practice to stay healthy and balanced through life. In other words – as this interesting article on Forbes points out – self-care is a discipline, not an indulgence. It requires a bit of tough-mindedness, as well as personal understanding of your priorities. So, make self-care as regular and intentional as possible.
Have you ever heard of ‘centering’ and ‘grounding’? These two concepts are often confused, as this recent article from Psychology Today explains. The goal is to find ways to first center yourself and then ground yourself. These could be anything from yoga and walking through to breathing exercising, practising gratitude, or even having your own morning ritual.
Many people think they need a whole day for ‘me time’, but even just a few minutes every day can help. The beauty of developing a self-care ritual is that, after some time, it becomes a habit. Just make sure you keep your goals realistic and measurable, and adjust your routine as needed.
Remember: lapses are okay. Just adapt to your new routine rather than give up. Small acts of self-care are about forming positive habits, not "improving" or "treating" yourself. By making "me time" a priority, you're putting yourself first, even if only for a few minutes per day. This can lead to mental health benefits, such as less stress, more focus and creativity, and stronger relationships. It’s about a new you.
Tending to your financial well-being is a form of self-care. Get in touch if you have any questions for us: we’re here to help.
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