If you’re an avid reader of my posts, you know I write something each week, so that you, my readers can hopefully find some nuggets of wisdom, learn some new skills, confront fears, create better health and wellness for yourself, and/or find inspiration amongst the words on the pages.

I think about you, the reader, a lot.

This week, I am starting a series of eight different posts about self-care.

During my birthday week earlier this month, I turned 62, I had decided to treat myself to a full week of birthday activities. I spent time with great friends and celebrated with lots of laughter, good food, horse time, and self-love.

Did you know that a good self-care routine is essential for combating depression and anxiety? It also reduces stress, frustration, and anger. And, right now, I don’t know anyone who couldn’t use some of that.

That’s all good news, yet there is more because it also improves concentration and energy levels and increases happiness.

There are several ways you can work on self-care —

One of them is through your social life, which is what I’ve decided I need more of.

Sadly, so many people lacked the social self-care elements during Covid, and now that we're pretty much back to socializing there are still many that are avoiding it, don't seem to have the time for it, or maybe even the desire.

So, today, I wanted to address the question, if you’re not creating a good self-care routine for yourself, what’s stopping you?

Barriers to Self-Care

There are many barriers that prevent people from a good self-care routine. However, I’m only writing about the top four that come to mind as I write this newsletter.

Change is hard — if you aren’t used to giving yourself self-care, you will probably need to start with baby steps toward creating a new habit of self-care. Then, as you figure out what makes you feel good, you’ll likely move on to another step towards self-care.

Here’s an example, you want to go to bed earlier and get more sleep — start by going to bed 15-minutes earlier for a couple of nights and inching backward over a few weeks until you are in bed at the time you want to be.

Guilt — guilt is a big issue for a lot of people when it comes to self-care, especially women. They feel guilty for taking time away from their kids, spouse, jobs, etc. The thing is, when you take better care of yourself, your family will also benefit. So will your career and other relationships.

Lack of time — another big one! Thinking of yourself is not selfish, so grab the calendar and set a date with yourself for a workout routine, read a good book while the rest of the family sleeps, and create a weekly routine for something you love to do. Take the entire family out for self-care. If you love being outdoors, a nature bath is the way to go… play time in the park, a hike, a bike ride, a walk, etc.

Limited resources — Sometimes, money can be a factor in people limiting their self-care. However, there are ways to get around that. Again, nature bathes work well for those on a limited budget or taking a hot bath with candles or reading a book, for starters.

Here is the first of the eight types of self-care I’ll be writing about over these next few weeks.

Social Self-Care —

We, humans, are social creatures—even if you are someone who likes more alone time—we all still need connection. And it’s important to our physical and mental well-being.

When I think of social self-care, I think of setting healthy boundaries, keeping in touch with the important people in my life, and spending quality time with myself and others. Also, asking for help when I need it and making sure that if I’m on social media, I’m spending more time viewing the fun and non-stressful stuff than the negative aspects social media can offer.

Also, self-care is excellent for combating depression and anxiety. It also helps with reducing stress, frustration, and anger. When you do that, you’ll improve your energy levels, increase your happiness, and improve concentration.

All good stuff, right?

Here’s a final tidbit, when working with my coaching clients, I often ask them to give me two to three things to hold them accountable. Then they report back on the next call. So, what are one thing you can do today and two or three things you can do later to implement social self-care into your life?

I’d love to hear what you are doing for social self-care. Feel free to shoot me an email.

Lots of love,
Vonie

P.S. — You also have the chance to learn more about self-care with me on a live group coaching call. Your first month is my gift to you, so check it out here.