All my life I’ve been living in the fast lane
Can’t slow down, I’m a rolling freight train
One more time, gotta start all over
Can’t slow down I’m a lone red rover
Oh how did it come to this?
Lyrics from “Polaroid” by Imagine Dragons
From an early age many of us learn the importance of independence, hard work, and “measuring up” to expectations. We push ourselves to excel, do more, and be better than our peers. But few people end up living a life they enjoy by striving full-tilt all the time.
Can we work and live well without burning ourselves out?
Self-care is central to living a life that’s productive, fulfilling, and that you feel good about. Yet too few of us know how to honor our deep needs and cravings to slow down, rebalance and ask for the help we need.
Self-care is just as important as hard work to foster a healthy, meaningful life — and you deserve the peace and personal satisfaction that it brings.
What Is Good Self-Care?
Self-care means adopting a mindset that makes your physical and mental health a priority. It shows in behavior like getting enough sleep and eating well, and in many other aspects of life.
It means:
- Saying “no” to extra obligations without guilt
- Liking yourself, and liking how you do things
- Setting boundaries with family or friends who demand too much energy
- Standing up for yourself
- Giving yourself the gift of mindfulness (through meditation or yoga, for example)
- Making a healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate rest your personal priorities
- Asking for help without hesitation or shame
- Treating yourself with kindness and compassion as you work toward your goals
Why Is Self-Care So Easily Devalued?
In our culture, self-care often takes a backseat to drive and ambition. There’s an assumed obligation to say yes… to work extra hours, because we don’t want to risk disapproval… to attend or say yes to every PTA meeting because we don’t want to be that ”bad” or “lazy” parent.
» Read more about: What Is Good Self-Care, and Why You Deserve It »
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