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By Wendy Rodriguez, M.A
What is self-care?
Self-care is taking the time to focus on yourself. Simple tasks like drinking water, eating healthy, and exercising are all forms of self-care. Self-care is something that we often overlook because these are simple tasks that we should be doing everyday.
When we get sick, it’s our body telling us that we need time to focus on our health (mentally and physically). Instead of resting we focus on all the things we have to do (school work, bills, taking care of children).
Inner Child Healing:
When we are younger, some of us had people in our lives that would take care of us. Others of us did not. As we get older, we start becoming more independent have the opportunity to take care of ourselves. By doing so we help heal our inner child.
Remember that when you are sick at home, self-care is important for you to be relaxed, heal, and get back to your old self.
So, with that, let's talk about how you can do that:
1. Stay hydrated: Drink more water, warm tea, or broth to increase your fluids. This can also be an opportunity for you to make those recipes from your abuela or mom OR to try new those recipes you wish others had made for you.
2. Eat Well: Eat nourishing foods. It's normal for us to gravitate towards those not-so-healthy comfort foods but try to to focus on those greens and whole foods as much as you can. Show you body some love.
3. Comfy clothes: Get cozy and spend all day in sweatpants and your favorite t-shirt. You are allowed to rest and feel comfortable!
4. Get some Fresh air: Open the windows, sit outside, or take a walk. It may be hard when we are sick to get our bodies moving but some fresh air can be a big difference. Try as much or as little as you need.
5. Stick to Simple Activities: Binge watch shows, take a warm shower or bath, start a puzzle. There is nothing that needs to get done other can getting better! You are not meant to be productive when you are sick.
6. REST: Make sure to get plenty of rest. Physically (put your feet up on the couch, take naps, sleep in) and Mentally (Give your mind a break). It may be hard-- especially for those of us people pleasers or workaholics but the more that you can allow your body to rest, the faster you can get back to the things that are important to you. And remember: work can replace you but your loved ones can't.
And f you need more help with accountability and self-compassion, schedule a free consultation down below! We can support you in establishing healthy boundaries at work and heal generational wounds.