Whenever someone feels bad or is in a funk, it's a common response to tell them to go and "Treat Yo' Self." (OK maybe not those exact words, but you get the idea). They could treat themselves to a shopping spree, a spa day, or go eat a gallon of ice cream. It's so easy to make a list of fun things to do that would likely help someone feel better. We do all those things when we are feeling good. So they should make us feel better when we feel bad, right?
Not exactly. Herein lies the problem. We are taught that the things that make us feel good will always make us feel good. But they can actually have the polar opposite effect on you when you are not feeling like yourself.
We are so quick to pity ourselves and wallow. Heck, Lorelai Gilmore even suggests doing that! Wallowing is okay, but you need to know when enough is enough and when it is finally time to get back on your feet.
So here is my advice for optimal self-care. Don't go straight to the ice cream and your bed. Trust me, I get having an affair with Ben and Jerry. Sprinkles will always be the Bactine for the soul, and nothing will ever feel quite as good as crawling under the covers after a long day. Instead of wallowing, try to eat some fruit and vegetables, or take a walk outside. It is important to spend some time outside and let the rays of the sun warm your skin.
SMILY PHOTO
Take a day to unplug from your devices. It is so easy to get caught up in the world of social media drama. We are so quick to text someone, but hesitant to walk up to someone new and strike a conversation. Unplug to enjoy the life around you or to spend time learning about yourself. Maybe even try to do amazing things that Instagram or Twitter will never know about!
No, they don’t sound as exciting as your bed and a mug of ice cream do. Honestly, they never will sound that exciting. However, I do promise that they will make you feel way better than being lazy and shoving your face with junk food.
Have you had vitamins lately? When was the last time you showered? What was your most recent healthy meal? These certainly aren’t the most exciting things we can do in an attempt to take care of ourselves, but they are necessary for feeling truly better. Am I saying that you need to throw away all of your ice-cream? Never. Am I saying to become a vegetarian? Not at all. But it is important to realize that if you haven't showered in days , eaten a healthy meal or stepped outside recently, then your attempt at self-care will never make you feel better.
You need to put yourself at the top of your to-do list every day. You can't pour from an empty cup. Fill yourself up with love, rest and positivity and then go conquer the world. I promise you, taking the time to actually take care of yourself in the healthiest way possible will make you the happiest you have been in a long time.
