The Ugly Truth About Self-Care

What we THINK self-care looks like

Have you ever caught yourself dreaming about a luxurious bubble bath, complete with a face mask and a glass of wine, only to be snapped back to reality by a toddler screaming for a snack?

Or maybe you’ve scrolled through Instagram, envying those perfectly polished “It Girls” who seem to have hours to pamper themselves, with their flawless skin and impeccable style. It’s like they’re living in some parallel universe where time doesn’t exist, right?

But let’s get real for a second—who has the time for that when you’re juggling kids, work, and a million other responsibilities?

You see, the whole idea of self-care has been hijacked by this picture-perfect, pampered aesthetic. We’re constantly bombarded with images of people indulging in elaborate rituals that seem impossible to squeeze into our already jam-packed schedules.

And don’t get me started on the pressure to live up to these standards! It’s like we’re expected to be superhuman, able to manage everything and still look like we just stepped out of a spa.

Seriously, who are these people, and how do they do it?

 

Stereotypical Self-Care

Stereotypical self-care often conjures images of luxurious activities like applying face masks, indulging in long baths, getting facials, and attending Pilates classes.

While these activities are undoubtedly enjoyable and can provide a much-needed break from daily stress, they are often not practical for everyday life due to time, cost, and accessibility constraints.

Despite their unrealistic nature for day-to-day routines, these self-care practices are still important and fun to indulge in whenever possible!

They offer a moment of relaxation and personal pampering that can help rejuvenate both the body and mind.

However, being a parent makes these practices super hard to do on the daily.

 

The Ugly Truth About Self-Care

It’s all about taking steps (big or small, doesn’t matter!) to feel your best.

The truth is, there’s several type of self-care and people who just focus on ONE type of self-care just aren’t doing it right.

You need to be incorporating as many types of self care into your routines as you can to really maintain your overall wellness as a parent, even though somedays it can be so SO hard to do.

 

The Seven Types of Self-Care

 

Emotional Self-Care

 

Emotional self-care focuses on understanding and managing one’s emotions.

This can include:

    • journaling
    • talking to a therapist
    • engaging in hobbies that bring joy and relaxation (COFFEE)
    • talking with others who are similar to you and your struggles

It’s about acknowledging feelings and finding healthy ways to express and cope with them.

 

Physical Self-Care

 

Physical self-care, on the other hand, revolves around taking care of your body.

This can look like:

    • regular exercise
    • balanced meals
    • sufficient sleep (I know this is hard as a parent!)
    • washing your face before bed

    • taking a shower
 

Mental Self-Care

 

Mental self-care emphasizes nurturing the mind.

This can involve:

    • reading a book
    • talking to a therapist or a friend
    • solving puzzles
    • engaging in creative activities that stimulate cognitive function
    • mindfulness and meditation

Mental health plays a crucial role in maintaining clarity and reducing stress.

 

Social Self-Care

 

Social self-care highlights the importance of relationships and social interactions.

    • spending quality time with people you love
    • building a support network

    • maintaining healthy boundaries
 

Spiritual Self-Care

 

Spiritual self-care involves activities that nurture the soul and provide a sense of purpose and connection. Note: You don’t have to be religious to practice spiritual self-care. It’s about connecting with yourself and your own values.

 

This can look like:

    • meditation
    • prayer
    • spending time in nature

    • reflective journaling
 

Practical Self-Care

 

Practical self-care includes managing day-to-day tasks effectively, such as:

    • organizing your junk drawer
    • making your bed
    • scheduling doctor visits, oil changes, dentist
    • setting budgets

    • planning your time
 

I have a free planner that is PERFECT for managing the practical day-to-day tasks of life!

 

Professional Self-Care

 

Lastly, professional self-care is:

    • maintaining a healthy work-life balance
    • seeking professional development opportunities
    • setting career goals

    • saying “no” when necessary
 

Each category is interconnected, and a balanced approach to all seven can significantly enhance overall well-being.

 

How do I ACTUALLY do all of this as a parent?

Nobody is perfect. But incorporating all of the seven types of self-care into your weekly routine can be beneficial for everyone in your family.

Picture this.

You schedule 7 types of self care (one from each category) into your daily, weekly, or monthly routine and you set the boundary at home that it NEEDS to happen. As a result, you enhance your emotional, physical, mental, social, spiritual, practical, AND professional self.

 

Set the boundary

If you are a stay-at-home parent who is STRUGGLING for even just 2 minutes to use the bathroom, SET THE BOUNDARY.

Do your self care with your kids. Have another person help you out for a set amount of time. Use nap times or play dates to get some extra time to do these things, and you will set yourself up for success.

 

You’re practicing self care without thinking about it

If you feel that you’re not getting your self care goal completed perfectly everyday, you need to give yourself grace.

You started to clean an area of your house but then your toddler came running into the room announcing “I HAVE POOP IN MY PANTS!”.

 

Yep. Been there, done that.

 

But guess what? You can go back to cleaning or even have the choice to say you’re exhausted and simply need rest. REST is something. Attending to your child is something. Cleaning a common room is something.

You’re never doing “nothing” as a parent, and you’re amazing for that!

 

Real, True Self Care

Here’s the thing: real self-care doesn’t have to involve hours of pampering. Sometimes, it’s as simple as stealing five minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee in peace or sneaking in a quick nap while the kids are occupied.

It’s about finding those little moments that recharge your batteries and make you feel human again.

So, next time you catch yourself feeling envious of those “It Girls,” remember that it’s okay to redefine self-care on your own terms.

After all, you’re doing the impossible every day, and that’s something to be proud of!

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