It has been some time since my last blog, and I had set a personal intention to be consistent, and as I reflect on my reasons...life just happened. So I hibernated. Took some time away from personal pressures, and decided to take some time, to rest, refresh and re-charge. And it was not easy! However, I made small manageable changes, (for me), remembering it is different for everyone... I will share them with you later.

How have you been?

How are you today?

So, Let’s Talk… About Self-Care

Today’s blog is about self-care, It will start with a definition of self-care, and offers some suggestions about what you may like to try.

Self-care is defined as… actually before I write the definition, brainstorm what self-care means to you?

What words are coming up?

The online dictionary offers one of these suggestions:

‘ the practice of taking action to preserve or improve ones own health.’

Would you like to add anything else?

Self-care can mean many things. For me, listening to my body, and getting to know, for example, why I was so tired. After a moment of giving myself some time to stop and reflect...the lightbulb moment came, ‘…..aaah that’s why I’m so tired!’

So, I am now offering some suggestions of what worked for me, which maybe a useful start for you.

What might help? Please note these are offered as suggestions

• Take a minute...and pause, be mindful of what self-care means physically… a self-hug, mindful breathing, self-compassion.Give yourself a minute or less- think about how you are doing this, how are you delivering this message to yourself? What would you like to change? Our self-talk can also impact how we feel.

Be Present, without judging...

• How could you bring in creativity? It maybe through music, an image/photo, a painting, walking or listening to nature. Be curious about what works for you.

• Choice- you choose a time to suit when/where/how you would like to begin, for example, a time of year, time of day in a space where, if possible, you will not be disturbed. Make your environment comfortable.

There is not one magic formula to self-care. Whatever you decide, it may change dependant on your particular need at the time. Create your own menu with a focus on mental, emotional and physical health, which may also include seeking medical advice from your GP or seeking help from a psychotherapist.

Self-care may mean investing some time into getting to know you, learning about what you like or what you don’t like. Learning about yourself, may be challenging, however taking the time to nourish both your mind and body, is a step towards improving self-care. It will take practice, and action. Know that it is continuous. Know that you deserve to take care of yourself too!

If you would like to know more about what I offer as a counsellor/psychotherapist, please feel free to ask any questions and get in touch, using the contact form.