Prioritizing Self-Care: During Pride Month and Beyond

Prioritizing ourselves can sometimes feel like the biggest chore out there, with our own versions of overflowing plates and being metaphorically maxed out on our spoon distribution.

In the constant grind of trying to make it through the day, it can be hard to remember that self-care is actually the least selfish act you can engage in; it is essential for maintaining overall health, happiness, and resilience in the face of life's challenges - that can show up in everything, everywhere, all at once…(thanks, Moon!) 

But taking time to care for yourself is an investment in your own well-being and enables you to better navigate the messiness that is being human…being kind to yourself helps replenish your bucket, and in this analogy, a full bucket is actually easier to carry than an empty one.

There are endless ways to define self-care for yourself, your needs, and your time allowance. Self-care lists can be eye-rolly and no one needs to be told to take a walk, but knowing why self-care is so important can lead to greater success through personal action that makes a difference to YOU. 

Start Simple…

Even simple self care practices can enhance your mental health and reduce stress: mindfulness (using your senses in a positively stimulating way), meditation (quieting that ever-spinning brain wheel), and therapy (whatever you consider therapy - not just the traditional view) can help improve mental health by reducing The Big Suck that is anxiety and depression. Taking time for yourself can even boost self-esteem and self-confidence, helping to keep that bucket sloshing with goodness that YOU gave YOURSELF. That is a classic win/win!  

Prioritizing self-care includes taking care of your physical health through activities you find enjoyable and not taxing on your well-being. Simple forms of exercise, healthy (by your definition) eating, and adequate sleep (sleep helps our cognitive function and mood regulation, so a well-rested brain is an able brain!) can help prevent illness, increase energy levels, and improve overall physical well-being.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries around your own well-being is a great place to start if boundaries are hard to manage. Practice setting boundaries in your relationships and prioritize your own needs. Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and don't be afraid to distance yourself from those who bring negativity into your life.

By prioritizing YOU, you can develop healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for managing stress. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to nurture healthy relationships with others. Self-care fosters emotional well-being, which, in turn, can lead to more fulfilling and supportive connections with friends, family, partners, and your community. The hope is that these connections feel easy, and are offering a safe space for you to flourish. 

Self-Care Should Be Part of Your Routine

Regular self-care routines can build resilience, helping you better cope with everything that can consume your mental load. Taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities - even if the self-care activity is just taking a break - can actually increase productivity and creativity. When you feel like you have actually had a moment that is just for you, you are better able to focus and perform tasks effectively.

Burnout is a real thing that can be caused by a number of factors. This tends to be a big one for me personally…neglecting self-care can (and in my experience, WILL) lead to burnout, which can manifest as physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism (everything sucks and it’s all too much and what EVEN is the point?!), and reduced effectiveness and productivity.

My tell-tale sign that I am neglecting myself is a messy physical environment. 

For me, a messy brain leads to a messy house, and vice versa, and then it all feels extremely overwhelming. By incorporating self-care into daily tasks, you can prevent burnout and maintain a healthier balance in your day-to-day grind.

My go-to tip: set a timer and see exactly how long it takes you to do ONE task you absolutely dread.

I have learned that those dishes that are piled everywhere that I would rather throw in the trash than wash, actually only takes me under 10 minutes to tackle - and frankly, that fact negs me almost weekly.

By doing this, you find that 10 minutes of care can make a difference in your physical and mental world.

Ultimately, self-care contributes to a higher quality of life, even if it feels like minimal action.

That small gift you have given yourself WILL cause a ripple, and that delicate little disruption is most certainly growth. 

Find ways to celebrate YOU and all the little things that hydrate your soul. 

Allow yourself to be seen and known.

Take pride in who you are and celebrate your identity in whatever way feels authentic to you. 

By prioritizing self-care during Pride Month and beyond, you can celebrate who you wholly are while nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.