Take Back Your Power With Self-Care

Anxiety has been a big part of my life since I was 18 years old. Back when there was hardly any awareness about it at all. Even those close to me weren’t interested and I didn’t know how to control it. Both the world and I thought I was crazy, so I struggled alone as very few people understood.

Luckily for me, I can now recognise my triggers and so I’ve learned to control it to almost non-existence or block anything out that threatens my peace. However, I understand some of us aren’t so lucky and anxiety can rear it’s ugly head in unexpected situations with little or no explanation at all. Practicing self-care has helped me in ways I could never have imagined and although I’m happy to discover it, I’m also kicking myself that I didn’t find it sooner.

Self-care is different for everyone. It isn’t just about salt baths and chocolate cake, practicing yoga and hugging trees. It’s about building a life you don’t need escape from, whatever that might mean for you.

It’s paying attention to what you need, physically, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and socially. It’s giving yourself permission to pause. Many people think of self-care as a selfish act but honestly, it makes sense to put you and your healing first, especially if you’re struggling.

What does self-care mean for me?

It’s as simple as applying a hair mask, looking after my skin or booking in a brow appointment. It’s slipping on a pair of new pajama’s, jumping into freshly clean bedding and lighting a candle. It’s cooking and eating a healthy meal, enjoying a bottle of vino on a Friday evening and settling down to read a book. It’s taking a road trip to somewhere new, going for a walk in nature and climbing to amazing views. It’s singing along to my favourite playlist, hitting a dance floor til the AM or smashing a strong workout. It’s eating out with friends, sitting alone in a coffee shop, watching the world go by or exploring a foreign city. It’s taking time out to do the things that make your soul shine.

Self-care is also learning to say no to others, trusting your gut instinct when something feels wrong and being honest with yourself about how you feel. It’s pleasing yourself rather than other people, being kind to yourself and speaking/thinking in a positive way. It’s letting go of things you can’t control, resisting the urge to chase people who don’t see your worth and staying away from negative drama at all cost. It’s learning to cut people off without thinking badly of them, not being afraid of saying yes or no—and always seeing the best in every situation.

It may feel strange at first but the more consistent you are, the more you’ll start to see the change. With every act of self-care, your authentic self gets stronger and the critical mind gets weaker. You will never speak to anyone as much as you speak to yourself, most of the time without even realising it. So choose your words wisely.

“Take time for self without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you the way you see you and treat you the way you treat you” - Beyonce