What do you think when you hear the term self-care? What is the first thing that comes to mind? Is it getting a massage? A facial? A whole spa day? Maybe. Is that all that self-care is? Absolutely not. Self-care is one of the easiest things that we can do but tend to neglect the most. In today’s world, we get so caught up in external situations that we sometimes forget to take time to ourselves.
What exactly is self-care? Self-care is taking the time to care for yourself emotionally, mentally,
physically, socially, and spiritually. There is a big misconception that self-care always has to be lavish and expensive when the opposite could also be true. Taking the time for yourself allows you to reach your fullest potential because the focus is inward instead of outward. Self-care is something that is meant to help fill your cup. As the old saying goes, you can’t fill from an empty cup. When we try, the road to exhaustion is quicker and can have adverse effects on us.
When we neglect ourselves, everything else slowly tends to follow suit. Implementing self-care
techniques can help ease any stressors that we might be experiencing. Self-care does not always have to be something expensive or time-consuming. This misconception can also play a part in the feeling of not having enough time to do what you like. Providing ourselves with an opportunity to be present and participate in an activity that we enjoy can positively impact our mood and behaviors, even if the activity is for a short amount of time.
The list is endless. Self-care does not always need to be something fancy. It certainly can be, but it can also be as simple as taking time for yourself and doing something that you enjoy, no matter what it is. Self-care can help lead you to an overall sense of wellness. If you find yourself struggling to incorporate good self-care habits, contact someone who can help. Give a counselor in Orlando a call and make the first step in self-care by putting your mental health first.
Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.