As a social work major, I have learned over and over how important self-care is. There are many times that we get so wrapped up in checking in on our friends, caring for them and making sure everyone else’s needs are met, we forget to make sure our needs are met as well. We spend so much time telling everyone else in our lives how incredible, strong, beautiful, etc. they are, we often forget it's important to tell ourselves also. So here are four things to remind yourself every day.
1. A bad day, doesn’t mean a bad life.
Whether you are sick and stuck in bed or you are just feeling extra sad, it is important to remind yourself that just because you have a bad day (or even a few bad days), it doesn't mean you have a bad life. It wouldn’t be life without some bumps in the road. Everything can’t be hunky dory constantly. So remember if you are having a bad day, just ride it out. It’ll all get better in time.
2. Don’t spread yourself too thin.
So it’s Monday and you have three classes, work and that group project for sociology at 4:30 and student government at 6 and you have at least three hours of homework plus you should probably start studying for that biology exam next week and your boss needs that project she assigned to you today, done for tomorrow by 8 a.m., and did I mention it’s only Monday? Don’t take too much on that you feel like you don’t have time to breathe! It doesn’t help another for you to be constantly running on E. Give yourself time to catch a breath and relax. If you have an unavoidable busy day, make sure you give yourself the next day to relax.
3. You won’t get anything unless you ask for it.
Growing up is about learning new things and becoming your own person. But that doesn’t just come so easily. You have to ask questions to learn something new. Never feel embarrassed for asking someone to help you with something or to teach you something. You can’t become a CEO of a company just by taking a guess at it. Be open to asking questions and learning things along the way.
4. You are enough.
I know that sometimes life knocks you down, and when I say knocks you down, I mean really shoves you to the ground and smashes your face into the ground. Life can get tough and it can also feel like no matter what you do, it’s still not enough. Remind yourself that you are enough and you are doing enough. You are one person; you cannot carry the whole world on your shoulders. Don’t stress about the size of your pants or the "I should haves." Life is way too short to put yourself down.
Like I said before, many people don’t understand how important it is to take care of yourself. You are facing the whole world every day, so you need to be your own biggest cheerleader. You have to remind yourself of the positives even when you have trouble finding it, because living a life where you are constantly running on E is not a healthy way to live.
