Self-Care
As a licensed therapist I noticed a lot of my clients were perplexed when I asked them about their self-care practices. That led me to write this blog. Neglecting yourself doesn't make you better at caring for others, self-care does. It gives you the resilience and positivity necessary to pour into others without acrimony and antipathy. Usually self-care brings up thoughts of extravagant vacations or spa days. I'm here to tell you that self-care is much easier than that.
Self-care is:
Getting a good night’s sleep restores cognitive functions.
Stop trying to please everyone.
Setting boundaries and knowing that you are setting boundaries to protect yourself and not to benefit others.
Exercising at least 3 days a week improves happiness.
Eat well. Carbohydrates aid in the release of endorphins.
Laugh more, it strengthens the immune system and boosts energy.
Learn to sit with yourself, reading, watching Netflix, or listen to music.
Disengage from toxic people and relationships.
Cut out words or pictures from a magazine, write about the meaning to you in a journal. Example a picture of a 2019 Lexus, this is my future car. Dream!
Take time at the end of your day and write down what you’re grateful for.
I bet if you think about it you may have self-care skills that you do include in your life; sometimes. I am encouraging you to include self-care daily. Write down a few that your really enjoy. Maybe it’s that hot bath with lots of bubbles or that morning run. It doesn’t matter what you choose, it only matters that you do.
If you are having difficulty with your self-care or need help with other problems that are getting in the way of your self-care, call me or one of the therapists on my team and let’s begin the most important work for you.
by Regina Kennedy, LMFT
I became a therapist because I want to help people who want to change their lives. I am a compassionate, direct and interactive therapist. I value optimism, truth, and authenticity.
My therapeutic approach is warm, but always direct and honest to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address their treatment goals. I offer a highly personalized approach, tailored to each client's unique needs. My specialties include working with Adults, children and adolescents, families, crisis intervention, and substance abuse. I am Certified as a Substance Abuse Counselor.
