There’s a very good chance that when you hear the words “self-care”, you stop paying attention.

And that’s probably because you think it’s not for you. You may think it means someone taking a bubble bath with a glass of wine, while candles flicker in the background.  And the reality is — self-care is so much more.

What Self-Care Really Means

Self-care means taking the time to do something you love, like sewing or baking or talking on the phone with an old friend.

It can mean treating yourself to a reward (in moderation) when you keep your promises to yourself.

Or it can mean learning a new skill, such as a new language or a new quilting technique or how to knit.

Self-Care Can Mean Doing Hard Things

Self-care also includes doing things we don’t necessarily want to do, like turning off the TV to go to bed on time.

It includes taking an extra loop around the block on your morning walk, even when you feel like stopping.

And it includes cooking dinner at home, even when you are tired and want to order Chinese food for delivery.

Self-Care Is Thinking of Future-You

It’s about doing the things that will set you up in the future to be a better version of yourself.

Self-care will help you to have patience when you would otherwise be overtired.

And it will help you to feel like there is gas in the tank when you’re asked by others to go the extra mile.

Self-care isn’t selfish.

No, it isn’t selfish.

It’s essential.

And it’s not for other people. Self-care is for everyone, including you.

And it should be an important part of your routine. Because you can only be your best version of you if you take care of yourself. And you absolutely deserve that.

Now, share with us, what are you going to do this week to practice some self-care?