This October, we’re taking time to focus on the importance of self-care—what it looks like, why it matters, and how it can help us maintain balance and wellbeing. Remember, self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding what restores you.
This thoughtful piece and helpful reminders come from our Mental Health Counselor, Missie Osborn, who encourages everyone to take time this month to reflect, recharge, and prioritize personal wellness.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care can look very different for different people. The range is as different as the personalities that you come into contact with daily. For some people, it might be a moment of blissful quiet, while for others it may be singing to music at the top of their lungs. That is the beauty of self-care, and sometimes the hard part. You have to get to know yourself a little bit, ask yourself what brings you happiness, peace, relaxation, realization, balance, and can leave you with a sense of positive wellbeing. Self-care may also be very different in different situations. You might not be able to use the same types of self-care when you are relaxing as when you are finding peace. It's all about knowing YOU.
So, what are some types of self-care? Let's look at this from different perspectives. For a person who is active, physical exercise can be a type of self-care. That runner's high, the feeling after a good workout, and that incredible sense of accomplishment. For some, it might be finishing that book they have been wanting to read. The feeling of escaping into another world or learning about something that sparks their interest. Others might find relaxation in meditation, massage, pedicures, or manicures that help them to reset. Crafting, art, writing, again, I cannot stress enough the different ways that self-care can be accomplished. Something that most people do not realize is that boundaries are also considered self-care. Building and maintaining boundaries is an important step in keeping your space a positive place.
Taking care of yourself is an act of self-love and self-respect. It’s about recognizing that your well-being matters and taking intentional steps to cultivate happiness, peace, and balance in your life. It is a journey, and like all journeys, it begins with the first step. So get stepping, my friends.