Jan 22, 20223 min read

Self-Care: Putting my Needs First

Self-care – a new buzz word?

I realised I didn’t have the same enthusiasm for this month’s blog…. not because I had lost interest or couldn’t be bothered. Because I’ve become a bit ‘self-cared’ out.

It’s like it’s the new buzz word, especially after all the lockdowns and restrictions that have been in place.

What does self-care even represent? It isn’t just about bubble baths and massages. It can literally be anything such as physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and mental self-care.

Getting back to a balanced life

I recently landed a new job. I was so excited, not because it’s more money, or closer to home. In fact, it’s the same money and further from home.

It’s because I could see the new role making use of all my acquired skills I’ve achieved over my 25 plus year career… and not be tired and mentally drained, nor hanging out to get my pj’s on and become a hermit, every night.

In the interview I had been asked the question, “How do you think you will go with the role being not as heavy in case management for you?”

I almost jumped up and down in my seat with excitement as I could see exactly how I would go.

I responded with, “I will so have much more energy, not just for my family, but also to continue with those things I’m extremely passionate about such as my charity work, building my side hustle, finally getting back to a balanced life.”

Without me even recognising it for what it was, this specific role was me caring for myself and putting my needs as a priority.

Photo by Peter - pexels-peter-fazekas-1386649.

I love the 40-minute trip to work and back home. I get a chance to call (hands-free of course) a friend or family member, listen to some music, a podcast, or an audiobook, and have time to myself.

It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve started, and the difference is just remarkable.

I’ve been told I am happier when I get home. I feel way more energized and can even start aiming on exercising in the near future.

Before, I was just way too tired to even contemplate it.

Is this something you can relate to?

Bringing joy back into your life…

If you’re stuck trying to find self-care activities, here’s a great article on different self-care strategies for every area of your life.

A little bit of wisdom: Start small….

If you had the chance to bring some joy back into your life, what area of your life would you start in?

Identify what you would like to have more or less of in that area. Ask yourself, what do you think is stopping you?

Now that you have discovered what’s stopping you, what are you going to do about it?

Flexibility

The other point to remember: flexibility needs to be a part of the plan. It’s your plan and it has to work for you.

Blogging GEMS program

This Blog is a part of the Blogging GEMS program, which supports domestic violence survivors to practise the self-care strategies of Gratitude, Exercise, Mindfulness, Support, and Service (GEMS). As they practise the strategies, they blog about it.you can read their survivor GEMS Blogs:

Gratitude Blogs: