Chapter 1: The Importance of Immediate Self-Care

It’s tempting to delay our well-being when a vacation or a break is on the horizon. We often exhaust ourselves, believing we can take a breath soon. But what are we sacrificing in the meantime?

Photo by Valeriia Bugaiova on Unsplash

My mental and physical wellness are intricately linked, working hand in hand to keep me afloat, albeit with significant struggle. This connection has led to nearly a decade of chronic pain, initially stemming from my attempt to 'push through' overwhelming stress and more recently due to my use of anti-depressants, which help alleviate some discomfort.

Generally, I remain mindful and adjust my pace when pain intensifies. I start caring for myself better, and my brain rewards me by easing the pain slightly. However, recently, stress levels have surged due to uncertainties surrounding my job, my son, my mother, and my own health issues. Consequently, the pain has re-emerged, progressively worsening and becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Despite this, I convinced myself that with a vacation just weeks away, I could endure and address my well-being later.

Yet, my mind had other plans. In a final attempt to get my attention, it unleashed a wave of intense pain that led to nausea. As I cleaned up, I surrendered and acknowledged my defeat.

Pain/brain 1 — Self-Care 0

Since that moment, I have dedicated 20 minutes each afternoon to meditation and have communicated with my employer about my stress levels. I prioritize sleep when I feel fatigued and listen more closely to my body, leading to reduced pain, fewer heart palpitations, and less anxiety. My focus has improved, enabling me to accomplish more and feel better overall.

This raises an important question: why did I think postponing my well-being for another two weeks was a wise choice?

The answer is clear. It's easy to put off difficult tasks when a simple solution is within reach. A vacation is indeed a perfect opportunity for relaxation, but what happens upon returning home? The stressors that existed before the break don’t simply vanish; they await your return, ready to engage you once again.

It makes far more sense to prioritize self-care consistently throughout the year—day by day or week by week. Why wait for a vacation? Why hold out for a spa day or long weekend? Why not make an investment in your well-being today?

Even small acts of self-care can have a significant impact. Just 20–30 minutes of relaxation, meditation, or enjoying nature could provide the release you need. Establish a routine before your vacation to ensure you're ready to return rejuvenated and maintain your mental health upon your return.

I am both burdened and fortunate to have a body and mind that clearly signal when I need to care for myself. Not everyone has such obvious indicators, but there are signs to watch for.

Be alert for physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, unusual fatigue, digestive issues, heart palpitations, and sleep disturbances. On an emotional level, be mindful of signs such as irritability, increased anxiety, mood swings, feelings of being overwhelmed, social withdrawal, increased consumption of alcohol or drugs, and difficulty focusing.

Ultimately, you know yourself best, and you can sense when things become overwhelming. Don't hesitate to acknowledge your stress; recognizing it is the first step toward recovery and achieving balance in your life.

Don’t be like me, waiting for the right moment to relax fully. Prioritize your well-being and remain alert to the signs of stress. Taking care of ourselves daily is far more crucial than holding out for the next vacation.

Life should be lived in the present. Your body and mind will appreciate every moment you dedicate to self-care.

Chapter 2: Starting Self-Care Today

Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming. Simple practices can be integrated into your daily routine to foster a healthier mindset.

The first video, "Self-care for Moms: Easy things you can start TODAY!" provides practical tips for integrating self-care into a busy lifestyle.

The second video, "20+ No Spend Self-Care Activities (Decommodifying Self Care!)", offers a variety of cost-free activities to help you prioritize your self-care without breaking the bank.