Sometimes self-care looks like...

When you hear the words "self-care", what's the first thing that comes to mind? Is it a spa day, pampering yourself at home or going on a weekend getaway?

There's so much that isn't talked about openly and freely in the self-care space, that really should be expressed more often. Many persons are suffering in silence and wondering if they're the only ones who are experiencing overwhelm and stress because of toxic environments or lack of coping mechanisms in general.

Sometimes self-care looks like:

• Finally mustering up the strength to set those boundaries
• Uncomfortable conversations with loved ones or co-workers/team members
• Cutting ties from that toxic "friend" or family member
• Healing from past trauma
• Spending time alone - no music, no podcast, no audiobooks, just you and your thoughts
• Breaking those habits you know don't serve you in any way
• Getting therapy/counseling from a trained and licensed professional
• Taking steps to heal from self-hate/self-abuse
• Finding a new circle of friends who stay away from gossip, comparison and competition
• Loving and appreciating your body with all the curves and grooves or lack thereof
• Recognizing self-sabotage and deciding to work to correct it
• Speaking lovingly to yourself and affirming your value and importance
• Prioritizing yourself without feeling any guilt

One thing is for sure - you can't manicure or soak your emotions or trauma away. Self-care requires deep introspection sometimes, in order to get to the root cause of any issues you may be facing. Being able to identify what is causing the dis-ease in your life, is where healing and self-care begins.