Self Care

Self Care

Self care is something that looks different for everyone; some people do it without realizing they are, some have specific routines that they are aware of and some haven’t heard the phrase “self care” before. What “self care” means is the things that you do throughout your day, week or month that help to refill your own well. This can be anything from making sure you have ten minutes of alone time a day, taking a shower once a day or getting a monthly massage.

Before having kids self care is often a lot easier to get; it happens more naturally when you don’t have kids to take care. Once baby arrives people tend to find that they need to be a lot more intentional about taking time for themselves. Some families find that it’s helpful to make a list of their self care activities before baby comes, this way when they are in the early weeks of the postpartum period they can look back and remember what they used to do. Oftentimes, partners can help each other to maintain their self care routines. For example, if someone wants to have 10 minutes of quiet time a day the other parent can take the baby for that time and give their partner space to relax, read a book, take a shower or whatever it might be. It’s important to take the time to still feel like an individual even when you are caring for your family.

Some examples of self care are:

• Showering daily
• Journaling
• Quiet time to read, meditate, pray, etc.
• Watching TV or playing video games
• Doing a craft, knitting, crocheting
• Cooking for fun
• Quiet morning time with coffee or tea
• Taking a nap
• Weekly coffee date with friends
• Going for a walk or to a yoga class
• Weekly or monthly chiropractic or massage
• Getting your hair or nails done

What are ways your get self care? Tell us in the comments! You can also see how the TCM Team practices self care by clicking here.