Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”? Well, it’s true. It’s a blessing to be there for the people in our lives, whether that’s through parenting, caring for an older family member, or being there for your friends. But, just like anything else in life, caring for others can weigh on us. When we feel low, it’s difficult for us to lift up the people around us.
That’s why self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a valuable tool in caring for yourself and the people around you. When you practice self-care, you’re equipping yourself for future opportunities to care for others. Filling your cup will prevent burnout and serve you and your people in the long run.
Here are four ideas, some simple and some splurges, to practice self-care:
-
-
Spend time outside
-
Spending time outside is a great way to get some fresh air, spend some time alone or with your family, and boost your mental health. If you’re in the Triad, there are a ton of awesome parks, pools, and splash pads you can visit this summer.
-
-
Do something creative
-
As adults, we often get out of the habit of practicing creativity. Doing a craft just because helps us to unplug from our stressors and plug into our creativity. Research shows that drawing and painting can be helpful in increasing dopamine levels and decreasing anxiety, depression, and excessive stress. It doesn’t have to be fancy; grab a sheet of paper and your preferred writing utensil, sneak into your kid’s paint supplies, or attend a free crafting event at your local library. You may be surprised by what you can create.
-
-
Pick up a novel
-
If you’re anything like me, your to-read list is a mile long. It’s easy to prioritize nonfiction books because reading informative content feels more “productive,” but did you know that reading fiction has many benefits including opportunities for building empathy, reducing stress, and heightened brain connectivity? So go ahead and order that novel you’ve been wanting to dive into or visit your local library to find some awesome reads.
-
-
Splurge on a spa day
-
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, but every once in a while, it can be fun to splurge on something you’ve been wanting. A spa day is the perfect way to pamper yourself. Bring a friend along, and now you’re filling your cup in more ways than one. Although spa services can be expensive, there are ways to get a good deal on the services you love. Check out apps like Groupon to find deals at local spas.
I’d encourage you to find one thing this week that fills your cup. When you feel your best, you’re able to give your best to the people you love most.
Compassionate, Confidential Care
We understand that you have a lot on your plate. That’s why at The Pregnancy Network we desire to come alongside you with compassionate, confidential care. We offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds administered by our staff Registered Nurses. We provide you with educational classes, material and community resources, and an opportunity to find community through the Connect program, all to empower you for your pregnancy and parenting journey. Click the button below to make an appointment.
