Self-Care is Not About Being Selfish
Getting past an addiction or other mental health struggle and living a fulfilling life means living for more than yourself. It’s no surprise that during the pandemic community-minded residents have gone out of their way to drop off groceries to their elderly neighbors. Musicians have entertained us for free with virtual performances.
There’s something about doing things for others that feels good. Selfish people are always stuck in their suffering. Of course, if you offer your talents and gifts to others, you need to be as healthy as possible. Taking good care of yourself is a requirement.
Lately, have you found yourself giving more than you take? Many working women are also mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. We know that trying to balance multiple roles is stressful and sometimes overwhelming. It’s so easy to forget about the importance of caring and loving yourself during these challenging times even though it’s more important than ever!
Believe it or not, self-love is NOT about being selfish.
It’s not about “getting what you want” or overindulging.
Self-love is not selfish… it’s actually completely necessary.
It’s about taking the time to care and love ourselves for who we are. Self-love is simply about gaining power and control of our happiness. When we act from a place of kindness toward ourselves, kindness often emulates around us. Here are some ways you can appreciate and take care of yourself each day to help boost your mood.
Practice Self-Forgiveness
Give up on the dangerous idea of perfectionism especially during a global pandemic! Choose acceptance instead. Some days, good enough is enough. Embrace your imperfections because someone else may see the beauty in your flaws. Love yourself for who you are and don’t worry about meeting anyone else’s standards. As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t say it to someone else, don’t say it to yourself!
Be Mindful
There’s beauty in every day even when times are tough. We all want to get back to “normal” but the reality is we have a long road ahead. Don’t let life pass you by chasing the next best thing. Live in the moment and appreciate the ups with the downs. If the past is dragging you down, let it go! A positive outlook can help you view your mistakes and obstacles are opportunities to learn and grow.
Set Healthy Boundaries
You really can’t practice self-love properly if you are constantly giving to others and running on empty. Remember that it’s OK to say no sometimes. Learn how to set boundaries and be mindful of your personal space. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.
Breathe, Reflect, and Refocus
Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that is cultivated through your thoughts and actions. Positive actions support growth; physically, psychologically, and spiritually that help bring purpose to your life.
Women from all walks of life come through our doors. Many have been using drugs or alcohol and understand they’ve become dependent on them. A large majority also come to us for high-quality psychiatric care to deal with serious stress, depression, anxiety, or trauma.
We’re here to help you find purpose, meaning, and a greater sense of self-love through our personalized mental health and addiction treatment services.
