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What is self-care?

Self-help is doing anything to benefit your mental, or physical being. It could be anything as big as changing your eating habits and starting a workout plan for a healthier lifestyle, or the little things such as going to bed earlier.

What are some ways I can start practicing self-care? 

The possibilities of how to practice self-care with yourself are endless. In the end, it’s whatever brings you more peace and satisfaction with yourself.

  1. Communicate with yourself – Talk to yourself. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Having a conversation with yourself can help you acknowledge certain thoughts and feelings you may be having, but are having difficulty coming to terms with. Saying things out loud really brings things to surface, and can help you finally deal with internal issues.
  2. Make amends with your past – We all have past demons; whether it’s an old relationship, an argument or just an embarrassing memory. Whatever it may be, it’s time to leave the past in the past, rather than letting it dictate our future. Acknowledge your past for what is was, and let it be. Use this as a learning experience and grow from your mistakes, rather letting them consume you.
  3. Congratulate yourself – Give yourself credit for little successes, they’re just as important as big successes. Did you attend class? Go into work? Get out of bed? Go you! You’re doing your best and that’s all you need to do.
  4. Keep close tabs on yourself – No one is perfect, and that’s okay. Acknowledging our mistakes is something that keeps our mentality in line. If you catch yourself speaking negatively on others or slacking on work, call yourself out and work on it. In the long run, this will bring more positivity to your life.
  5. Put yourself first – Putting yourself first, isn’t necessarily a selfish act. It doesn’t mean that everything goes your way, it simply means that you have the courage to stand up for your beliefs. Taking a stand for yourself is always important, you should never allow yourself to become a doormat for people, simply to be liked. Have the courage to be disliked, those that are true to you will never leave.
  6. Keep your mind open – You’re don’t know everything, and that’s okay. Allowing yourself to be corrected by others isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of growth. Others may know more than you in some areas. Let them educate you, open your mind up to new thoughts and beliefs that aren’t traditional to your own. This can provide you with a new understanding and perspective of others.