The Ultimate Guide to Self-Care for Women

What is self-care for women? 

Self-care for women involves a holistic approach, encompassing our lives physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects. It’s about setting aside time and energy to cater to our needs, rejuvenate, and recharge ourselves. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary element for overall well-being. Neglecting self-care doesn’t just affect us; it affects everyone around us. So, ladies, it’s high time we prioritize our needs too!

How important is self-care to women?

As women, we often find ourselves balancing many roles and responsibilities. Be it at work, home, or within our communities, we are constantly striving to meet the expectations of others while often neglecting our own needs. In the daily grind, self-care tends to take a backseat. However, neglecting self-care can have profound effects on our well-being, both physically and emotionally. 

As someone who has battled anxiety and depression, I know all too well the consequences of sidelining self-care. The overwhelming feeling of burnout and the struggle to even get out of bed – these are experiences that have led me to realize the importance of self-care in maintaining mental health. This guide is not just about self-care in a superficial sense; it’s about adopting practices that promote overall well-being, so we can be the best version of ourselves for us and those around us.

What are the 4 basics of self-care? 

Physical Care:

The phrase “your body is a temple” is a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. Our bodies are incredible, and we must treat them with respect. This includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and good-quality sleep. Each week, I make it a point to move my body intentionally at least three times. Some days this means a sweaty gym session; other days, it’s a leisurely neighborhood walk. The aim isn’t weight loss; it’s about cherishing my body, understanding its needs, and keeping it active. And on the weeks when I don’t meet my goal, I reset and remind myself that I’m not going to let an off day/week/month/year define my future. 

In addition to moving my body, I’ve also set a goal to drink at least half a gallon of water daily. Staying hydrated isn’t just crucial for physical health; it aids in concentration, mood regulation, and overall well-being. While I haven’t personally used the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, I’ve heard rave reviews about it, and it’s on my list to buy next.

Emotional Care:

Identifying and communicating my emotions has been a challenge, but I’ve been working on it. Emotional care involves acknowledging our feelings, managing stress, and cultivating mindfulness. Recently, my practice of identifying emotions means babbling at my husband, using phrases like “I think I’m feeling…” and “Maybe I’m upset because…” as starting points rather than pushing negative emotions away. To aid in this journey, “Your Emotions and You: A Workbook“ is a resource I’m keen to explore.

Mental Care:

Mental care involves stimulating our minds, learning new skills, and taking breaks for mental rejuvenation. I’ve taken to the mantra “Create instead of Consume” to help me. For example, I dedicate time daily to put away my phone and write or doodle in my Soft Leather Notebook with a Dotted Grid Page/Bullet Journal. This helps me engage my mind creatively without the influence or distractions of technology. 

Social Care:

I’m an introvert and love my space, but I’ve realized the importance of socializing and how it combats social anxiety. Humans are social animals, and we thrive on relationships. But it’s equally important to set boundaries and seek support when needed. To help build meaningful connections, I plan on reading the book “Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World,“ based on reviews, it’s regarded as an excellent resource for those who find building new relationships challenging.

What should a woman do to take care of herself?:

Create a Self-Care Routine:

Consistency is vital when it comes to self-care. The benefits of self-care are reaped over time, so it’s essential to have a regular routine. This can be as simple as setting aside an hour daily for an activity you enjoy or maintaining a regular workout schedule.

Prioritize “Me” Time:

It’s crucial to carve out some time for yourself amidst the chaos of daily life. For me, my “me” time often revolves around my passion projects such as blogging, creating content for TikTok, reading, or journaling at a coffee shop. It’s in these moments that I genuinely get to breathe and unwind.

Practice Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion is a practice that involves treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, much like how we would treat a close friend. I’ll be the first to admit that practicing self-compassion is a work in progress. But each day, I’m learning to be less harsh and more forgiving towards myself.

Set Achievable Goals:

Setting goals can contribute to personal growth and self-care. Setting monthly or quarterly goals is particularly effective as they keep me focused without feeling overwhelmed. This past birthday, I created 30 goals to accomplish before turning 30. I love the principle, and I’ve been making decent progress, but I’ve realized the timeline is too long for me to stay continuously engaged. 

Balancing Work and Personal Life:

Striking a balance between work and personal life is a challenging feat. I’ve struggled to keep work stress separate from my home life, which at times has wreaked havoc on my mental well-being and caused a strain on my marriage. More than anything, I want to be someone who can better compartmentalize so my husband isn’t getting the worst version of me after a long stressful day. To combat this, I’ve learned that engaging in individual projects and pursuits has helped me realize that my dreams and desires are as important as my 9 to 5 work.

Conclusion:

Looking back, I realize how far I’ve come in my self-care journey. My turning point was during my recent honeymoon in Tokyo and Thailand. The experience made me realize there’s so much more to life than work. I’ve since started incorporating self-care into my daily routine, and its difference to my overall well-being is significant.

Self-care is a journey, not a destination. And ladies, it’s a journey we’re all worthy of. I hope this guide encourages you to prioritize your own needs and well-being. And if you ever need a self-care buddy, follow me on Instagram, Lemon8 or TikTok, and let’s do this together. Remember, life is worth living, so let’s make it count! 

XO,
HA