Self care is not selfish. It is smart. Most women are nurturers. We care for everyone around us; our children, our spouses, our parents etc. – and, we leave ourselves for last or not at all. My grandmother is the perfect example. I watched her always put everyone else’s needs before hers. She literally cared for everyone around her (husband, children, sisters, brothers, grandchildren ) and left herself unattended. It always saddened me. I am happy however, that at 80 years old, she is able to fully take care of herself. It’s obviously never too late.
Self care is self love. And we must love ourselves so we can fully love everyone arounds us. It doesn’t have to be extravagant. Simple breathing techniques to de-stress, appreciating nature, a day at the spa, praying, shopping, smiling and other meaningful acts toward ourselves are essential to promoting self-loving thoughts and behaviors.
Here are 5 things that you can practice to promote self care.
Dixie Lincoln- Nichols is a biological science educator, health and wellbeing consultant and Qigong instructor. Her work has been featured in media outlets like, Oprah Mag, SELF, Yahoo and more. She is the founder of Inside Outer Beauty Market, a multi-cultutal retailer curating and creating products to support the body inside and out. Visit the site at www.iobeautymarket.com
