Admittedly, I didn’t know self-care was essential. I thought it was a lavish bubble bath with the perfect blend of essential oils, incense, and body scrub with resonating indigenous flute music throughout the entire home. I’d get to it eventually.

I also didn’t realize that by definition, I was doing self-care on a daily basis already. Also, that for many people, self-care isn't encouraged, it may only be done with incentive to take care of others better.

Before going further, note, self-care is your human right and is necessary every day through simple things you're probably already doing!

According to Girls Gone Strong (1), self care is, “A set of regular behaviors that help support and sustain us, combined with a mindset of believing we’re worth care and kindness simply because we’re human.” 

In a nutshell, two points that hit home for me are:

A set of regular behaviors that help support us. - Like drinking water

And…

A mindset that we are worth care and kindness because we are human. - “I am loving and caring therefore I deserve kindness.”

...is self-care.

Behaviors from remembering to take a few deep breaths every day, opting for a serving of fruits and vegetables for a snack, and leaving the party early to get 7-10 hours of sleep are self care. And we can advocate for ourselves in creating these self-providing actions in addition to choosing our own best self-care actions. 

Additionally, self care does not occur in isolation. It relies on other structures and systems of support. 

For new mothers who are buuuusy, for people who have limited resources, or are (slightly) stubborn independent folks like me, it is ok to ask for help from someone you trust so you can care for yourself. 

What new habit do you see for yourself that would be categorized as self-care? or what action can you even take right now in your seat that would feel good? 

Also, I can be your ally in creating a clear and simple action plan to attain a new habit or two and make that manageable in your already existing life. Contact me for not only physical fitness sessions but time to also discuss personal health goals.

(1) GGS Academy, Pre-& Postnatal Coaching Certification Textbook 2.0, P. 215-217