Permission Slip Granted: You do You!

Self-Care: Because You Deserve It, Period.

We’ve all heard the classic self-care mantras: “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” “Put the oxygen mask on yourself first,” and “If you’re busy caring for others, who’s caring for you?” But let’s be real, when it comes to taking care of ourselves, guilt often crashes the party. We act like we need permission slips to justify a little TLC. Spoiler alert: you don’t need anyone’s approval to take care of yourself. You’re deserving just as you are! Those cliches? They’re spot on. Sometimes life has to slap us upside the head before we realize it’s time to hit the pause button and focus on numero uno.

Relief is Necessary

So, how did we get here? We all have that internal dialogue about what we allow into our lives. Why not make yourself the star of your own show? As adults, we juggle a bazillion roles and responsibilities, both at work and at home. The stress can be off the charts. That’s why decompression and self-care aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re must-haves. But here’s the kicker: we often wait until we’re about to explode before we give ourselves the green light to chill out.

Burnout is Real!

Burnout isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a full-on reality check. Ignoring self-care is like playing with fire; eventually, you’re gonna get burned. And no, you can’t just “push through it” (though we all try). Burnout demands big changes and a hefty dose of self-care to reboot. It’s tough to swallow, but burnout starts brewing when we ignore those little signals from our mind and body begging for a break. We need to recharge before we can hit those high notes again.

Where Does Lack of Self-Care Come From?

Let’s rewind to where this might’ve started. As kids, we often learn by watching. Maybe you saw a caregiver run themselves ragged for others, or maybe you were told not to be “selfish” for wanting something for yourself. Peers can influence us too. If everyone else is burning the candle at both ends, why should you be any different? It’s time to flip the script and learn a new way!

Recognizing Patterns

So, what now? It’s time to take action! Pay attention to your inner dialogue when it comes to self-care. When a chance to relax pops up, what do you tell yourself? Are you your own cheerleader or your own worst critic? Your inner voice sets the tone. Start telling yourself you deserve that break. Taking care of yourself is both productive and healthy. Recognize those patterns and start rewriting them.

Time for Action

Now that we’ve tackled the mental block, let’s get to the fun part: action! Start by making a list of activities you love. Include things you can do both at home and elsewhere, like taking a walk or reading a book. Keep this list handy—your phone’s notes app is perfect for this. When you’ve got options ready, it’s easier to dive into self-care without overthinking it.

Remember, you need breaks, and you’re worthy of them! Would you ever tell a friend they don’t deserve self-care? Of course not! Start taking your own advice. Here’s your reminder: you always have permission to care for yourself. You’re a worthy human being, and you matter!

Exercise: Embrace Self-Care

To kick things off, try this exercise:

1. Daily Check-In: Every morning, ask yourself what you need today. Is it rest, movement, or connection? Listen to your answer.

2. Gratitude Practice: Each night, jot down three things you’re grateful for about yourself. Focus on your strengths and achievements.

3. Mini-Moments of Joy: Throughout the day, find small ways to bring joy into your routine—whether it’s a favorite song, a quick dance break, or a moment of mindfulness.

   
   

You deserve this time for yourself. Embrace it!