When it comes to self-care, we often have this prefabricated idea of a week-long vacation somewhere secluded, usually a beach or somewhere in nature. (There’s science behind our brains and nature and the beautiful connections we make to nature and how it helps us heal, recover and recuperate). Or, if you’re from Florida or live close to Florida, like me, a visit to a local theme park, spending time at the Florida Springs (there are a ton) and of course, the beach always provide the best levels of self-care, even if for a few hours before its back to reality.
Did you catch what I said about a weeklong vacation of “self-care?” We think of that as so deserving. And don’t misunderstand me, we, you, I, we all deserve breaks–AND we deserve them more than once every 365 days. When we look at self-care from that lense, it’s no wonder most of the clients I’ve worked with, family, friends and acquaintances I’ve talked to on the subject think self-care is easier said than done. We have this skewed mindset that has sort of been ingrained in us to believe that a weeks long vacation is just enough time to relax, get some fun activities in and then head back to the grind. It really has turned into the American way of life.
One day, I was in a session with a Parent and they were discussing various concerns with their child and this infinity-seeming laundry list of responsibilities. I was exhausted just listening to the list of responsibilities this Parent was expressing. So, like any wise, young therapist, I posed the question–what are you doing for you? How are you filling your cup so you can pour into your children and all these responsibilities? The Parent stated they were unsure, where would they make the time? And just like that, in the deep of the session, it hit me. Micro self-care! Something easy, attainable, relatable and functionable for the every day person, including parents.
I posed this idea of 2-3 minutes a day, do something for you. As time goes, time grows. That’s important, so I’ll write it again: AS TIME GOES, TIME GROWS! It gets easier to practice self-care and it becomes a priority, you begin to see the value in self-care, which develops into self-love, and from those places pours compassion and care for all those responsibilities we have in our life.
The best way to implement micro-moments is:
- to give your schedule a stare down! As a therapist, my schedule isn’t always consistent. Somtimes there are trainings, doctors appointments (because I’m human too) and real life happenings (like oil changes and grocery shopping). I generally know my schedule for clients and sessions. So, how do I decide where the free space is?
- When I see the free space, I claim it! I actively decide on 10 minutes of a walk in the neighborhood, sitting outside (vitamin D is life giving, literally), leaving my phone and social media alone, eating a snack or meal mindfully.
- Carve out that time purposefully, be intentional about it, don’t reschedule on yourself, it’s too easy to do! Live like you’ve struck gold, because it is golden. Your time is gold.
- Set your boundaries! I set my boundary for those 10 minutes. Those are sacred, ‘me’ minutes that revive my soul, fill my spirit and give me strength to be there for those who need me or those responsibilities that do not go away and need to be completed.
Your time is golden and sacred, you deserve more than seven days our of 365 days a year for self-care. The benefits of practicing self-care will always outweigh the risks of the time sacrificed.
Happy Practicing Self-Care Time!
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