The Search for Self-Care
(Written by Emily Thomas)
Self-care:
the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.
the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
The term “self-care” has become quite the buzz word, especially in these times of the pandemic. People have come to the realization that it’s possible their routines, lives and schedules they were previously living are not best suited for caring for one's mental and physical health as they once assumed they were.
Too many of us disregard the need to care for ourselves on a daily basis. Especially as parents, we feel the heavy responsibility to put our children and families needs above our own - regardless of how tired, broken or worn out we become in the process. We bask in a few extra minutes in a hot shower and call it “self-care”. We successfully go to the bathroom alone, with no little bodies clinging to us, and we call it “self-care”. We sit in the car to give ourselves a chance to catch our breath before heading into the chaotic house, and we call it “self-care”. But this is not self-care. As parents, we seek out these small windows of calm in hopes it will satisfy us but the truth is, that it is not enough.
Brianna Wiest says it best in her article titled This Is What ‘Self-Care’ REALLY Means, Because It’s Not All Salt Baths And Chocolate Cake, “Self-care should not be something we resort to because we are so absolutely exhausted that we need some reprieve from our own relentless internal pressure.”
Studies have found that preventative self-care shows the best results. Self-care looks different for many people but across the board it is imperative so that you are able to sustain your day-to-day both mentally and physically - happy and healthy. Building a routine, balance and connection are all important attributes of taking care of oneself.
You can't take care of others with your whole heart if you are struggling to care for yourself.
Building a Daily Practice - Everyone knows exercise, sleep, and reducing stress are all great ways to help live a more balanced life but creating a daily practice where it counts. Being able to anticipate and depend on your practice is what is important.
The best part is - you get to decide what matters most in the moment. Could be an early morning run/walk, connecting or chatting daily with a dear friend or even just enjoying a hot cup of coffee (uninterrupted!). Nothing is too small to be considered.
Setting Boundaries - We all have obligations in life and it’s impossible to eliminate everything that doesn’t fulfill us but it is worth breaking down what is working and what is not. Eliminating or even reducing the people and activities that do not fill your cup can make a huge impact on the energy you will have to spend on things that are important to you.
Importance of Time - Being mindful and intentional about who you spend your time with and how you spend your time.
Give Yourself Grace - Self-care can also look a lot like giving yourself (and your family) grace. Allowing yourself a bit more room to move through your day, free of self-judgement and your inner critic.
Speaking with honesty, it is very overwhelming - especially when you are in the thick of it. Sometimes all the “self-care” in the world doesn't seem like it will ease what you are going through. But let us not forget, little adjustments can add up to big changes. Take each of these suggestions with a grain of salt and start small. Our hope is that you see Napp as a support network for your family. That being able to build the use of dependable child care into your life can be part of your self-care routine. Whatever it may be - let it fulfill you. Because you are worth it.
Your friends,
Claire & Katie, Co-Founders, Napp
info@nappnetwork.com