Everyday, we wake up, drag ourselves out of bed and start the day. Some days can seem way too long or far too short and because life is the way it is, we have our ups and downs. But, take a moment to think about the last week or so of your life. Can you think of a single day where you didn’t beat yourself up or put yourself down in one way or another?

Now, this question is not meant to be triggering, only thought provoking. When I ask this question I don’t ask it specifically to question one’s mental actions towards themselves. I actually ask this question to provoke thought on the physical damages we do to ourselves throughout the day as well as mental. I myself asked this very same question, and in turn made a massive observation about my own life and the lives of those around me.

I'm sure almost every person has some point during the day where they may question their worth, quality of the day and their own actions. Whether it be a bad hair day, a bad conversation or the lack of readiness for school or work these things have an impact on our lives.

And because we are human, when we have little moments or days like these the impact and momentum they gain often begin to negatively affect our mental and physical being. It is in this process of negativity and self-destruction we forget about the importance of self-care.

I know the term may sound very bougie, but I assure you that this term is A MAJOR KEY to improve your overall quality of life and happiness. Self-care is all about a balance between taking care of your commitments and obligations and taking time to ensure the proper care of YOURSELF.

It is so easy for us (especially workaholics) to throw yourself into everything and run yourself straight into the ground. The reality is, we all have -ish we need to get done, but putting our own well-being is simply not a healthy or realistic way to do it.

To someone who may have never heard of self-care before, you may be wondering “I get that it's important, but seriously I barely have time to watch an episode on Netflix. How am I supposed to make more time for ‘self-care’?,” to which I say, trust me there is a way and I am going to explain how.

Firstly, you need to understand your worth and take a moment to realize that you and your well-being are just as important as everything else you have going on right now, which means that no matter what you are doing. You deserve a break and you deserve to work just as hard on yourself as you do on your work.

Second, understand the need for balance in your life. I get it, life is crazy and people are busy, but even on your busiest days don’t forget to do at least something for yourself. Whether that be treating yourself, with a hot tea, bubble bath, meditation time, a Netflix night or some bomb food just do it. You’ll thank me later.

Lastly, you only live once and unfortunately, life is short. You do not want to live your life stressed out and filled with anxiety 24/7, constantly just living from deadline to deadline. Responsibilities are a part of our life but do not let them get in the way of living a meaningful life, full of memories and stories to share. So plan that road trip!

Go to the gym and take care of that one body you have. If you don’t feel like working out but know you need to take a break from work, get outside, go for a little walk (walking and exercise is proven to reduce stress). Eat that last piece of cake and go on that adventure! Start living and stop existing.