Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash

I asked Instagram what self-care looks like on a regular basis. Here are some of the responses . . .

• eating healthy
• doing yoga
• time outside in nature
• saying no to what I don’t want to do
• time alone
• reading
• seeing a therapist
• journaling
• getting eight hours of sleep

Every answer pointed me to what I already knew: Self-care is different for everyone. 

With social media’s portrayal of self-care, there can be pressure on what it should look like. The beautiful thing about self-care is that there are no boxes to check. There’s no right or wrong. It’s “you do you, boo.” Because, self-care is about you. What works for one person might not work for you. Like our basics, self-care is not one-size-fits-all. Self-care is about finding the thing that fits you best. 

Self-care is important because you are important. 

Life gets heavy. Caring for yourself helps you take life one step at a time. When we take the time to be present with ourselves, we can then be present with the ones we spend our day with. We can focus on what needs to get done.

If you don’t have a self-care practice in place yet, it's worth taking the time to figure it out. Start by asking yourself some questions:

• What are your limits?
• What boundaries do you need in place?
• What helps you unwind?
• What will leave you feeling relaxed, refuelled, and ready to face whatever’s next?

Only you know what you need to live your best life. It can take a while to find a rhythm. You might feel like you’re fumbling along and still feel stressed after taking time for yourself. Self-care is an awkward, beautiful dance. Give yourself time and you’ll find your groove.

“Self-care is a discipline. It requires tough-mindedness, a deep and personal understanding of your priorities, and a respect for both yourself and the people you choose to spend your life with.”
—Tami Forman

It’s easy to pop on Netflix or scroll Instagram and ignore your deeper needs. Sometimes self-care is hard work and requires showing up for yourself even when you don’t want to. Spending time sorting through the deep internal stuff isn’t easy. The hard work is worth it. Because—you guessed it— YOU are worth it.

“I will not feel guilty about any of my pleasures.”

No need for “guilty” pleasures over here! If your self-care practice doesn’t look like anyone else’s, there’s no shame in that. In case no one else has told you lately, you have no one to measure up to. You're allowed to take a break. You’re allowed to need an afternoon to yourself. You’re allowed to say no to the things that are stressing you out. Send a big hell nah! to guilt with us. We are better humans when we fill ourselves up. So, cheers to you and to pouring into yourself this new year!

We’re always up for a little chat! Join in on the self-care conversation in the comments below.

Written By Jade Paxton for FRANC