Self care - believe all the hype? by Jennifer Lohr

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"Self care is anything but a one-time act.  It is a mindset and a process."
-Megha Pulianda, MS., LPC-I

     There are many ways we can take care of ourselves that go beyond a gym membership or an appointment at the salon, and lets face it: not everyone wants to or can afford them. Of course it's important to ensure that we make a point to value ourselves, but often enough, the way a good number of people neglect themselves is in their attitudes and choices. Such acts of self-care may take more effort than squats, though.
 
     Sometimes forgiving our past upsets, setting healthy boundaries, and accepting our whole selves are the ultimate acts of making ourselves a priority. It was once said that our thoughts become words, words become acts, acts become habits, and habits become our character; and what better way to attend to ourselves than taking time to improve our character by fine-tuning our minds?

     I know many blog posts like this end with an itemized list of clever ideas to make some much-needed "you" time, like taking warm baths and going out for regular walks (and I admit: I really enjoy those lists), but this post won't have one of those. Instead I hope to encourage you to be kinder to yourself, cut yourself a little more slack, say nice things about yourself, and take time to pat yourself on the back for all you've accomplished today (even if was just getting out bed this morning and putting your pants on).

     Like that saying about our thoughts lead to our character: you're a work in progress, so keep at it - it's a process that takes lots of practice... and practice makes progress.




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