One thing about the modern-day woman? She is busy, whether chasing the money or the streets or her kids, she is busy. Often we are someone for someone, we are the “carer” for our kids or sibling, we are the “organiser” for our colleagues, and we are the “someone” for someone. Self-care is being someone for yourself. Women are also taking the time to do more research on themselves and their interests. They are also fighting the “imbokodo” fate, where women are the all-mighty strength of a rock. No! no! no! We are as fragile as cotton ball flowers in the wind.
What is self-care?
For me, self-care is taking some time off to nurture myself. Deliberately leaving the busy and active part of my life and setting the time to literally care for myself. I like unplugging, drinking wine, putting on a sheet mask and cleaning (yes cleaning can be part of self-care). Doing activities that allow your natural self to come to the surface is self-care. One may think of cleaning as a chore, for me, but I find it soothing and relaxing, and being in a clean space inspires me. It makes me feel like I am taking care of self.
You ask how?
Self-care is not the same for everyone and we should never prescribe it to be so. This would take away the essence of the concept, then we have too many rules and one would end up enjoying it. Self-care is meant to be that “me” time you with off from the world and do what matters to you. Whether it is binge-watching your favourite series or taking a walk outside. It is about, pause, reflect and doing you. Medical experts say “Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can help and care for others, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish in a day”.
On Twitter search the hashtag #selfcaresundayza and check what other ladies have been sharing on the tag.
What does #selfcare mean to you?
Share your self-care interests and routines and use the hashtag #GirlTalkZA
Happy Self Care