You Don't Have to Earn Self-Care

"You are worthy of self-care. Self-care is not a selfish activity. There is a reason you are instructed to put your oxygen mask on first during a flight. Because if you are running out of air, you can't help others. You can also think about it as refilling your cup."

"Imagine that the energy you have for each day is the water inside of a cup. If you spend you day pouring your water into the cups of others (for example, caring for family, managing the house, and working at your job) you might find that your cup is empty when you go to get a sip of water."

"If you feel better rested, you will likely complete tasks more quickly and think more clearly. Overall, though, it's important for you to recognize and believe that you don't need to be productive enough to earn self-care."

Self-care encompasses both basic daily activities like eating and sleeping, and additional healthy practices that manage stress and promote restoration. Everyone deserves self-care regardless of productivity levels. Prioritizing self-care prevents emotional depletion by maintaining personal energy reserves, similar to refilling a cup. When energy is constantly given to others through caregiving, work, and household responsibilities, personal reserves become depleted, leaving nothing for oneself or others. Adequate self-care improves rest, task completion, and mental clarity. Defining personal self-care involves identifying specific activities that promote health, recharge energy, and create feelings of groundedness and calm. Creating a self-care menu helps when opportunities are limited.

Read at Psychology Today