Self-Care Sunday

Work! Work! Work! Work! Work! Seems like that is what my world has been consumed in for the past year of my life. For many, work can be looked at as a positive thing. When you work you enhance your financial status, have access to different ventures i.e. travel, have the ability to invest and essentially, create, establish and maintain a life of security for either yourself and/or your family. For some, work can also be looked at as a negative thing, including working overtime, overly-working, spending time away from family and achieving personal dreams (depending on who you work for). It can be the most easiest way to neglect self-care.

For me, it has been a combination of both. In the past year, I have consumed myself in work for multiple reasons. I did not want to face the reality of different changes around me, I wanted to over-compensate and make sure I had enough money so I never had to struggle. I wanted to have a nice savings to prepare for possible business ventures and security for when I start my own family. While working this much has allowed me the luxury to consider big investment moves, create memorable moments for my family and friends without hesitation, my mental health and self-care has suffered a great deal.

Experiencing depressive symptoms (lack of motivation, low energy level, over-sleeping, loss of appetite and irritability) had been more present because I didn’t have enough time for family, friends or things that I truly enjoyed. I’d be anxious to meet deadlines for work, stressed because my productivity and quality of work had been impacted due to the simple stress of just life happening all around me so much so, I forgot what it was like to put myself, my mental health and my self-care first.

After much reflection, I was reminded that in order to live a healthy, full, productive, long-lasting and balanced life we must feed ourselves from and to our mind, body and spirit. That matters!

I recently completed a self-care activity through Self-Care Assessment that allowed me to put things into perspective. I was able to develop insight and identify the areas that I have neglected in my self-care as well as the areas I would like to improve. As much as I will have financial security I will also make sure I come around to enjoy the fruits of my labor. I come first!

So this is what my last Self-Care Sunday included:

A five-minute meditation followed with drinking some English Black Tea. I took a long hot shower where I sang out my feelings to Boogie’s “Everything for Sale” album (Which is fire! Highly recommended), followed by some skincare facials. I picked out a nice cute dress and applied a new lip gloss (when you look good you feel good). I proceeded to walk to brunch for mimosas where I devoured shrimp and grits and ended up at a social bar for more appetizers and social engagement (Shout out to Isaac, Isaiah and Truehart for the amazing, inspiring, motivating and genuine discussions throughout the day).

I ended the night Thanking God and showing gratitude for the day of connections before a nightcap of wine and chill as I tuned into the “P-Valley” show people have been raving about. And before my eyes closed I intentionally exhaled, “What a good day!”

Through this Self-Care Sunday I was able to tap into many dimensions of my self-care and it felt so damn good!

Although this past Sunday may have appeared very social and outgoing, that was the form of self-care that I needed that day considering how much I’ve been consumed in work and professionalism.

This upcoming Sunday I will engage in a more formal way of self-care like spending time in solitude. I will detox from social media, food, liquor, sex and people in efforts to re-connect with nature and God.

Below are Mental Notes on how you can improve your self-care spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and professionally.

Mental Note: 

1) Stay connected spiritually - It’s essential to stay connected to your higher power. You can use this connection to draw strength, inspiration, love, hope and faith among other needs. Thanking, talking and praying to God can be helpful.

2) Make your mental health a priority - What you think and feel impacts how you behave. Take care of your mental health by attending therapy or engaging in therapeutic activities; writing, meditating and expressing your emotions through mindful activities.

3) Express yourself - Your emotional well-being is just as important as any other being. Vibe to your favorite song. Cry as needed. Laugh and smile often. Practice assertive communication, acceptance and forgiveness.

4) Work it out - The physical body is our temple. Working out, walking, hiking, biking, yoga, deep-breathing and consuming well-balanced meals can strengthen our bodies and maintain our physical care.

5) Create a work life balance - Work is how our basic needs are met. Learn your capacity, understand ”it is ok to say no.” Create boundaries within working relationships. Ask for help as needed. Utilize your PTO and vacation time. Burnout is real.

6) Self-Care Sunday - Grab your girls or your fellas to enjoy some social fun. Social self-care is a thing. Hang around positive, authentic and loving people. Whether it’s experiencing a day party, day at the beach, date night or a day at home to yourself! Whatever you choose, remember to take care of yourself.

PS. Self-care are activities that support the improvement of our overall well-being. Leave a comment on how you can improve your self-care.