Amelia here with your weekly Dóchas blog post. Self-care is a huge buzzword lately, but what I have found is that many clients are treating it as another thing they HAVE to do. As I said in my last blog post about feeling your feelings, having a list to check items off makes us feel accomplished and productive. However, taking this approach to self-care means that you are simply going through the motions to get something done instead of sinking into and feeling refreshed from the activity.
This doesn’t mean that having a list of self-care tasks is a bad thing. What doesn’t work is when you start forcing these habits that you think you ‘should’ bedoing—forr example, forcing yourself to journal when you really hate it. If journalling is a self-care habit that does interest you, check out our blog about why journalling is beneficial.
Another thing I’ve noticed in my personal life is that I book a massage and then spend the entire massage thinking about my to-do list for the rest of the day. Can anyone else relate?
Check out my video for a much-needed self-care reminder:
What REALLY is Self-Care?
So then what the heck IS self-care?? What I have found is that it’s unique to each person. I enjoy journaling and napping, while my fiance enjoys going for a run (trust me, I know he’s crazy). When we started dating I used to feel lazy compared to him—he got up earlier than me and didn’t take naps. For a while I tried to force myself to join him for runs, but I hated my life the whole time.
This is when I started to realize how unique self-care is—I feel refreshed after napping and grounded after journalling. My fiance feels centred after running. So from this lens, self-care is about embracing the activities that ground, centre, and refuel you to handle the wildness that is life.
So think about what activities refresh you—is it a bath after a long day? Is it playing Hogwarts Legacy or other video games for hours (me)? Is it golfing as much as humanly possible (my fiance)? Is it moving your body? Resting your body? All of the above?
Final Thoughts About Self-Care
Remember that self-care is not self-care if you have to force it, and trust that your body and soul know instinctively what they need to do to refuel your inner batteries.
If you need help with finding your ideal ‘relax and refesh’ routine , please reach out to Dóchas at 780-446-0300 or info@dochaspsych.com. Book an in-person (Spruce Grove, Alberta) or virtual appointment with one of our therapists here.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
