What Self-Care Really Means

I'm not one to waste time. Each moment feels so limited and precious that I strive to make the absolute most of it, even when my body and spirit beg for a pause. Over the past several months, circumstances have forced me to stop and rest.

From battling the flu to enduring sinus infections and strep throat, my body has made it clear: rest is non-negotiable. Whether I willingly provide it or it forces me into submission through illness, rest is inevitable.

While frustrating, these moments of forced rest have also revealed beauty in "stopping to smell the roses," as they say. I've reclaimed hours of borrowed sleep, guilt-free, recognizing it as exactly what my body needed.

As precious as time is, I often find myself trying to maximize it without truly enjoying any of it. My schedule becomes so packed that every moment feels rushed and frustrating, leaving me no more refreshed at the weekend's end. Maybe you can relate?

So, how do we make the most of our time without feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? I've always admired the phrase "you can't pour from an empty cup," yet, if I'm honest, I've never fully embodied it.

I'm learning that self-care isn't always about sleeping in or savoring a cup of coffee. Sometimes, it's trading hitting the snooze button for hitting the gym or starting the day with a bottle of water—actions that truly nourish your body.

Previously, I viewed self-care as indulgent treats like massages or bubble baths. However, a recent podcast enlightened me: self-care is far more fundamental. It's about caring for yourself as you would another human under your responsibility.

It's ensuring you stay hydrated, making time for exercise, and fueling your body with nourishing foods for energy. After all, would you allow someone under your care to make poor decisions if you could prevent it? Unlikely. So, why do we treat ourselves differently?

I've discovered that when I prioritize self-care, I become a better version of myself for the people I love. I'd rather offer them the A or B version of myself than the depleted C or D version, even if it means asking for help, saying no, or prioritizing rest. I'm realizing that I cannot and don't have to do everything.

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to prioritize productivity over self-care. However, as I've learned through my own journey, true fulfillment comes from nurturing oneself. Self-care isn't just about pampering; it's about meeting our fundamental needs for rest, movement, and nourishment. By embracing self-care, we not only honor our own well-being but also cultivate the strength and resilience needed to support those around us. So, let's make self-care a priority, recognizing that by taking care of ourselves, we become better equipped to care for others.

I hope that whatever season of life you find yourself in currently, you make taking care of yourself a priority and not an after thought. The less time you feel like you have time to prioritize yourself in my experience is a direct reflection of how badly you probably need it. As I’ve learned in the last week, prioritized it before your body forces you to do so.

Sending Lots Of Love,

Sarah