What is self-care?

I believe self-care is more important then ever, as we are in this global pandemic. As we’re not able to move freely, meet people light-heartedly or do business as usual, we deal with lots of changes and (maybe unconscious) feelings of loss.

I see our capacity to care and love as a tank. If our tank is empty, we can’t enjoy the ride or care for others.
Before, we can think about how we can serve the world, let’s make sure we have a good understanding and practice of how we nurture our own body, mind, soul and spirit.

So what is self-care?

Is it:

• meditating?

• journaling?

• doing yoga?

• watching Netflix?

• reading a good book?

• calling a good friend?

• petting your cat or dog?

• cooking a delicious meal?

• going for a walk in the forrest?

• pampering yourself with a massage?

• making yourself a delicious tea or hot chocolate?

• following your curiosity and learn something new?

• listening to soulful music and dancing like no-one is watching?

• decluttering rsp. marie kondo’ing (yes this is officially a verb now) your space?

• or is it just being, doing nothing?

Not necessarily. It can be all of these things. Or none of these. It depends, on the energy and intention you do it with.

I’ve pushed myself to declutter, because I was afraid I’d never be in the mood to do it. Then, it wasn’t self-care. I’ve also decluttered when I had energy for it. Then, it was self-care.

If you force yourself to do these things, they won’t fill up your energy tank.

Rather then doing the right thing, so self-care is done, let’s focus on what we have energy for.