For those who are loyal Parks and Recreation fans, you will know that "Treat Yo' Self" Day is coming up very soon. On October 13th, 2011, the infamous episode aired where Donna (Retta) and Tom (Aziz Ansari) spend the day shopping, at the spa, eating a nice mean, and basically "treating themselves." Since then, it has inspired a generation to set aside this day to do whatever it is you want to do. From logos on shirts to iPhone cases, it's been inspiring people to take time off to take care of themselves without feeling guilty. Sounds amazing, right?
All too often, we put off taking care of ourselves, preferring instead to get work done first and then have "me time." But when we do this, we are not putting our wellbeing first. There's a general misconception that taking care of yourself has to mean that we are being selfish. But it is not selfish to think of yourself, too. There's a difference between wanting to focus on your mental and physical health and being self-centered.
Unlike Donna's version of treating ourselves, taking care of ourselves should be something we do every single day, not just on October 13th. Setting aside time each day of the week to do something you love and enjoy is a healthy habit to have that will increase your happiness in the long run. If you have a sweet tooth, reward yourself at the end of a long day with that piece of cake you've been craving all day. If you love to take long baths, soak in some lavender goodness. The point is to give in to what you want, but not in excess. This is, after all, for a happier, healthier you.
Taking care of ourselves physically is very important, but it's something the media and society have always stressed. We are constantly surrounded by images of attractive and fit people, making us believe that to be as happy as they seem in photoshoots, we also need to look like them. At this day and age, we know we need to exercise, we know we need to eat right, and we know we need to drink lots of water. We got it. But what happens when you do all of these things and you still don't look like you're worthy to be on the cover of a magazine?
We forget the second part. We need to feel comfortable and at home in our own skin. We need to feel happy to be exactly where we are and making sure we maintain that level of comfort and happiness day to day. This is where taking care of ourselves mentally comes in. Athletes call it their "Cheat Day," Donna calls it "Treat Yo' Self." Whatever you want to call it, just be sure that you are doing this for you: for your happiness and for your health.
You DESERVE to treat yo' self.
