Self-care is a term that is used quite frequently these days, but how many of us
actually practice it?
There are literally hundreds of activities that can be classified as self-care.
Every week I ask my clients, how did you take care of yourself this week?
Some common answers are:
I went to the beach and relaxed.
I went for a walk.
I cooked up a storm.
I had a few early nights.
I was assertive with people around me.
I meditated.
I got a manicure.
Self-care doesn't have to be something extravagant! It doesn't have to be time consuming or expensive. It simply just needs to help you feel rested, relaxed,
confident, grounded, or empowered. Or maybe it brings you a few moments
of joy! I think you get the notion, it just needs to bring some form of relief or
pleasure. It mustn't however be self-destructive. In addition to discussing active
forms of self-care, in therapy I also gently explore self-destructive behaviours or
forms of coping.
Not all people engage in self-care. In fact many of us don't practice any form
of self-care at all. I encourage anyone who neglects self-care to gently ask
themselves, "what is preventing me from taking care of myself?" and "Is this
working for me?" Exploring barriers to self-care with my clients is very important
and what comes from this can be really helpful. Seeing a psychologist may help you to understand your own personal barriers to self-care.
Stay tuned for our article on self-care to be released on Facebook and on our
website soon.
To book an appointment in Padbury with Nicole please call 04 743 23 092 or email nicolehannpsychology@gmail.com
