Self Care is Not Selfish
Self-care is often misunderstood as a selfish act.
Women, in particular, tend to prioritize the needs of others over their own, neglecting their physical and emotional well-being. However, self-care is not selfish, and it is an essential practice that can impact every aspect of a woman's life positively. In this blog post, we will explore why self-care is not selfish and how taking care of yourself can enhance your life, gut health and metabolism!
One of the BEST things you can do for self care, is nourishing your body. I love the word nourishing. It feels so comforting, so whole, so encompassing. And I believe nourishing goes beyond just what we eat - we nourish ourselves through the things we watch, listen to, rest, connection, sunlight and so much more.
Self-care is not selfish.
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Taking care of yourself is not an indulgence or an act of selfishness. Self-care is a fundamental need that enables you to function your best, both physically and emotionally. It impacts how you feel throughout the day giving you the energy to thrive to get the things you need to get done AND to enjoy doing the things you love. It allows you to emotionally connect with those around you, whether it’s at work, school, home with your kids, or with your husband or friends. Just like how an athlete takes care of their body to perform at their best, you need to take care of yourself to feel your best and be your best self.
Self-care impacts every aspect of a woman's life.
Taking time to nourish your body with food that supports a good gut and healthy metabolism is not only beneficial for your health and well-being, but it also has a positive impact on other areas of life. (We can’t run off thin air!) By practicing self-care you are likely to have better health to be a better friend, mother, wife and employee. When you prioritize your health, you can manage your stress levels better, have more energy, and be more present in your relationships. Additionally, self-care can help improve productivity and efficiency at work or as a mother.
Self-care is not a one-time event.
Self-care is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. It requires consistent effort and commitment to prioritize your well-being. It’s important to identify your needs and develop a self-care plan that works for you. The key is to incorporate self-care into your daily routine and make it a habit. If you need to, block out time to make sure you fill your cup with some self-care.
Self-care may not always look like a trip to the spa, a hair appointment or a massage (sounds dreamy if it is!!!)
SELF-CARE can look like
Engaging in regular physical exercise or movement
Getting enough sleep and rest
Taking breaks throughout the day to relax and recharge (even if it’s a few minutes in your bedroom.)
Engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises
Spending time in nature
Seeking professional help or therapy when needed
Setting boundaries and saying "no" when necessary
Connecting with loved ones and building supportive relationships
Taking care of personal hygiene and grooming
Practicing positive self-talk and self-compassion
Making time for activities that promote relaxation, such as reading, taking a bath, or listening to music
Decluttering and organizing living spaces for a sense of calm and control
Taking breaks from technology and social media to reduce stress and anxiety.
and of course, my favourite topic….. eating a balanced and nutrient dense diet.
Often my self-care looks like making the time to make nourishing meals for myself and my family. I have grown to love it over the years and it helps ease my stress.
Healthy habits such as these, are an essential part of self-care. Self-care is critical to support a healthy gut and metabolism as it goes beyond food. A woman who takes care of her physical health is supporting her gut and metabolism to feel more energized, focused, and alert. Healthy habits can also positively impact mental health by reducing stress levels, increasing confidence, and boosting self-esteem.
I was a guest speaker at a Self Care Conference last year and would love to share the conversation I had with Jessica Velazquez a home design specialist where we chat about “Healthy Eating Beyond the Food.” I chat about the importance of taking a holistic approach and the 4 pillars of health that are important as part of self-care. Watch the replay here and let me know your biggest takeaway from the conversation in the comments below!
-xo erin
PS!!
The ultimate self care is to fix your gut for GOOD. Ready to optimize your gut to overcome your bloating, maintain your weight and eat foods you love?
Check out my self paced online course, The Good Gut Method. Nourish yourself from the inside out.