Genuine Self-Care 101: Being Self-Full and Not Feeling Selfish
In our fast-paced and demanding world, taking care of ourselves often falls to the bottom of our priority list. We prioritize work, family, and other responsibilities, leaving little time and energy for self-care.
Does this sound like you?
However, self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our overall well-being. When we neglect our needs, we become depleted and unable to perform at our best in other areas.
Unfortunately, years ago, I learned this the hard way and suffered from being completely drained and depressed. I had to make significant adjustments to my life, and redefining self-care was the most important. I had to let go of old programming that suggested I was selfish and understand that prioritizing myself was essential!
The Concept of Being "Self-Full"
Being self-full is about recognizing and honouring our own needs, without feeling guilty or apologizing for it.
It means understanding that we are worthy of time, attention, and care, just like anyone else. Being self-full is not about being self-centred or neglecting others; it is about finding a balance between our own needs and the needs of those around us.
It's about prioritizing self-care without feeling selfish or justifying our actions.
Redefining Self-Care
Traditionally, self-care is portrayed as indulgent activities like bubble baths or spa days. Don't get me wrong, I love these activities; however, I needed to incorporate more into my self-care routine. While these activities can be part of self-care, they are not the whole picture.
Redefining self-care means recognizing that it is not just about pampering ourselves; it is about taking care of our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It involves setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and taking time for activities that nourish our souls.
Self-care is about engaging in practices that recharge and rejuvenate us, enabling us to show up fully.
Self-Full Practices for Mental Well-Being
Taking care of our mental health is essential for our overall well-being.
Being self-full means prioritizing activities that nourish our mind and promote mental well-being.
This can include practices such as:
Meditation
Journaling
Engaging in creative hobbies
It also involves setting healthy boundaries with technology and social media, allowing ourselves to unplug and have time for quiet reflection.
Being self-full in our mental well-being means recognizing when we need a break and giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge.
Self-Full Practices for Physical Health
Our physical health is closely intertwined with our mental well-being.
Being self-full in taking care of our bodies means engaging in activities that promote physical health.
This can include:
Regular exercise
Eating nutritious foods
Getting enough sleep
Being self-full also means listening to our bodies and permitting ourselves to rest when needed.
It's about prioritizing our physical well-being recognizing that we can only give our best when we are feeling our best.
Self-Full Practices for Emotional Balance
Emotional balance is crucial for our overall well-being.
Being self-full in our emotions means honouring our feelings and expressing them in healthy ways.
It can involve engaging in practices such as:
Therapy/Coaching
Self-reflection
Talking to trusted friends or family members
Being self-full also means setting boundaries in relationships and recognizing when certain people or situations are draining our emotional energy.
It's about prioritizing our emotional well-being and creating a safe and nurturing environment for ourselves.
Self-Full Practices for Spirituality
This was a part of my life that I had ignored for a very long time until it caught up to me. When my spirit is taken care of, it is easier to focus on the mental, emotional and physical aspects of my life. Spirituality is not about religion but seeking a meaningful connection with something bigger than yourself.
It can also include:
Psycho-Spiritual Coaching
Mindfulness practises
Journalling
Praying
Reading books that nourish the soul
Making Self-Fullness a Priority
To truly embrace self-fullness, we need to make it a priority in our lives.
This means understanding that self-care is not selfish but essential. It involves shifting our mindset and permitting ourselves to prioritize our own needs, and making self-fullness a priority requires setting boundaries and learning to say no when necessary.
It also involves carving out dedicated time for self-care activities and committing to them without feeling guilty or needing to apologize.
Overcoming Guilt and Apologizing for Self-Care
One of the most significant barriers to self-fullness is guilt.
We often feel guilty for taking time for ourselves or prioritizing our needs. However, it's essential to recognize that self-care is not a selfish act. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for others and fulfill our responsibilities.
Overcoming guilt requires a shift in mindset and understanding that self-care is a necessary investment in our well-being.
It involves challenging the belief that we have to apologize for taking care of ourselves and embracing the idea that self-fullness is not only beneficial for us but for those around us as well.
Creating a Self-Full Routine
Creating a self-full routine involves incorporating self-care practices into our daily lives. It's about making self-care a non-negotiable part of our routine, like brushing our teeth or eating breakfast.
This can include activities such as:
Morning meditation
Regular exercise
Setting aside time for a hobby we enjoy or simply playing
Creating a self-full routine also involves being flexible and adaptable, recognizing that our needs may change daily.
It's about finding what works for us and consistently prioritizing self-care.
Embracing Self-Fullness for a Healthier, Happier You
Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity for our overall well-being.
Being self-full means recognizing and honouring our own needs without feeling guilty or apologizing for them. It involves prioritizing our mental, physical, and emotional well-being and creating a self-full routine incorporating self-care practices into our daily lives.
By embracing self-fullness, we can become healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. So let go of the guilt, prioritize yourself, and embrace self-fullness for a healthier, happier you.
Take the first step towards embracing self-fullness today. Start by scheduling one self-care activity into your calendar and commit to it without guilt or apology.
Your well-being deserves it!
