5 ways to take care of yourself without guilt
Why self-care is so important in a fast-paced world
“In order to help someone else, you must be well yourself,” I hear over and over again at my school, in seminars, and in meetings with various volunteer groups I belong to.
“You can’t be sick, hungry, thirsty, or tired and still offer first aid.”they say. Of course.
But since it’s so important to be okay with ourselves, following basic standards (e.g., hygiene) and doing the things we enjoy, why do we consider self-care days to be guilty?
I’ll tell you. Because we have associated them with expensive purchases, endless hours at beauty salons, plastic surgery, and a thousand other things we do to “fix” our bodies, souls, and emotions.
And so, it becomes a stereotype. A stigma. A taboo. A privilege of either the rich or mental health professionals who truly understand the term. And so, I want you to think about this:
Mental health is a fundamental human right. So is self-care. And it doesn’t have to be any of the above.
Instead, an entry in the calendar, a little time with ourselves or our friends, quality time with our pets or our parents is enough. Even television, when done with critical thinking and in moderation, is enough. The same goes for social media.
I am tired of seeing people exhausted, not because the nature of their work requires a constant new workflow, but because they have learned to be constantly “under pressure.”
In a rapidly developing world, with AI, geopolitical developments, and changes in religion, there is not much time left. I know how important it is for our health to stay healthy.
And now you may be wondering what the title has to do with all this: and I will tell you that the 5 things are the things you love. In fact, what is important is not to feel guilty when you take care of yourself. When you invest in and rest yourself.
Think about how flowers grow slowly, investments take time, and anything good requires good care, consistency, and love. So, it’s important to keep your self-care at a high level.
Okay. “What if I don’t have time?” you may ask.
Even 5 minutes of reading, a relaxing bath, or a delicious homemade meal are enough. Let’s demystify what we used to see and focus on self-care today. The kind that really matters.
And the more you need it, the more you should do it. Until you can say “I love myself.” And then you will have grasped the meaning of “balance.” Because everything needs balance. Balance in a fast-paced world means happiness.Neither overproduction nor underproduction.