{"id":2716,"date":"2019-07-04T04:00:06","date_gmt":"2019-07-04T10:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/?p=2716"},"modified":"2020-10-17T15:11:17","modified_gmt":"2020-10-17T20:11:17","slug":"self-care-is-a-necessity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.creativesolutionsonline.org\/rebuild-csbh-sit\/self-care-is-a-necessity\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Self Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Self-care\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The phrase \u201cself-care\u201d gets thrown around a lot lately. So much so, that many people think it\u2019s a luxury. Self-care can take many forms, and is vital for a balanced life. It is especially essential for those with chronic stress, illness or pain, who feel depleted much faster. It is the emotional first aid we all need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between busy schedules, work, family, etc., it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself, which is why it\u2019s often viewed as an “extra” in life. The problem with self-care is that we often fail to see that it runs on a broad spectrum. Self-care doesn\u2019t have to mean taking a day at the spa or meditating for hours each day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

It is not just the big events in life that cause stress and wear us down. The accumulated and chronic stress from daily life eats away at our resources just like those pesky automatic deposits and monthly fees do to our banking account. It adds up! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Self<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

So, just about everyone has chronic stress! If you also have a chronic illness, or chronic pain condition, it is like starting out with less resources “in the bank.” We MUST make some deposits on a regular basis – and regular smaller deposits (frequent acts of self-care) seem to help more than one large deposit (a vacation or spa day).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality is that no matter what your schedule might be, you have time for self-care. It\u2019s not a luxury or something only people with extra time on their hands get to do. In fact, it\u2019s mandatory for your overall health and well being. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, why is it so important, and how can you practice self-care on a busy schedule? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care Sets Boundaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re worried about your busy schedule, there\u2019s a good chance you have a hard time saying no to people. Maybe you were asked to stay late at work a few times this week. Or, perhaps your child wants to sign up for yet another activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these things aren\u2019t necessarily harmful, they can add up quickly, leaving you with little or no time for yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you practice self-care, you can learn the importance of the word \u201cno\u201d. Scheduling self-care first allows you to better establish boundaries and determine what you can and can\u2019t do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care Promotes Emotional Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you take time out to care for yourself, you\u2019re reminded of the fact that you\u2019re just as important as everyone else in your life. Your needs are just as important and deserving of attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The better care you take of yourself emotionally, the easier it will be for you to value yourself, which can lead to deeper feelings of contentment and satisfaction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care also can reduce your stress levels. If you\u2019re exceptionally busy, you might feel stressed and anxious more often than not. When you take time for yourself and find something that relaxes and revives you, your stress levels will decline. Not only does that contribute to your emotional health, but it can have positive physical consequences, too as headaches, muscle tightness, digestive trouble and more may decrease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It Helps You Care for Others<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is hard to keep giving to others when your cup is empty! Of course, you can care for others while putting your own needs on the back burner. But, you\u2019ll do a much better job of being a caregiver when you have taken care of yourself, first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Empty<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When you are well-rested and in an emotionally-healthy state, you\u2019re less likely to feel burned out. On the other hand, if you spend your time caring for others without caring for yourself, you\u2019re likely to have feelings of depression, low self-esteem, and even resentment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Self-care doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. It might take a little bit of extra planning (especially if you\u2019re busy), but it\u2019s not a luxury that\u2019s too exclusive for your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply finding some time alone can make you feel better and more relaxed. Choose a different way to pamper yourself each week, even if you don\u2019t leave your own house to do it. Self-care doesn\u2019t need to be pricey or take a lot of time. It just needs to be something that becomes a routine priority in your life. You\u2019ll feel better, and the people in your life will undoubtedly notice a difference, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re struggling with self-care or you\u2019re not sure how to put yourself first, please feel free to contact me. We can work on a few different ideas, and help you develop more insight into why taking care of yourself is so important especially when you\u2019re dealing with a chronic illness or pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like help in developing or implementing any of these ideas, please reach out to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n