In a world that often demands constant output, self care is essential because it sustains your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. On top of this, for women and all others resisting patriarchy, self care is a radical act of preservation, according to writer and feminist activist Audre Lorde. She said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” This was said more than 30 years ago.
Why Self Care Matters
Keeping on with this thread of resistance to toxic norms, centering your needs pushes back against self-sacrifice. In general, no one is coming to offer you a prize for running yourself into the ground!
Furthermore, lack of self care can lead to long term illness, physically and mentally, through emotional exhaustion and chronic stress by overworking.
When we look after ourselves, this gives us a sense of empowerment and agency.
Also, we’re better able to be there for the people and causes we care about if we are healthy and energised.
Self Care Practices that are Cheap or Free
I’m not talking about buying a scented candle, or booking yourself on a retreat! Although, chance would be a fine thing! There are so many things we can do to look after ourselves. But, sometimes we can be so frazzled we don’t know where to start. So here are some suggestions:
- Talk to someone. Friends and family, or seek specialist advice for your needs.
- Cry. This is such a tough one, but when you feel the tears coming, let them flow, its a release of emotions!
- Breathe. There are so many breathing techniques, to leave you feeling more relaxed and clear-minded. For example 2 sharp inhales through the nose, slow release out through the mouth.
- Journalling. Such as, writing down a few things you’re grateful for, or free-writing whatever is in your head.
- Stretching/walking. Stretches are so good for boosting energy and a good stomp can clear a scrambled head.
- Boundaries. You can say no if you’re not feeling it, whatever it is.
- Reach out. If you’re overwhelmed and need to figure something out, seek support.
I do many of these and find them so beneficial. I also, get so overwhelmed, that I can even think about where to start! But maybe we can stop, ask ourselves what we need right now, and go from there!