In Part 2 of the Self-Care Foundations Series, we’re gonna talk about principle #2: Make it Personal
(Read Self-Care Foundations #1: Start with Boundaries)
(Read Self-Care Foundations #3: Nurture Your Whole Self)
True confessions
I’ve only been to a day-spa once in my entire life. It was divine, and I totally want to do it again.
But as for the other most popular pampering methods? Eh…
I don’t like pedicures. I get them once or MAYBE twice a year (goodbye, calluses!), but they aren’t relaxing. My feet are super sensitive, and when they rub my sole with the scratchy sponge thingy? Yikes!
As for manicures… I’ll get them for a special occasion, but they chip within a day. I’d rather spend my money elsewhere.
And finally… massages. Again, I get them. They ARE a self-care activity for me to reduce pain and work out the knots in my muscles. But those same knots make a massage painful. They are necessary, but not relaxing. (Maybe one day I’ll get a fluff and buff…)
So why am I telling you this?
I’m not just trying to be negative.
My point is this:
Self-care is an individual thing.
What works wonders for your best friend may stress you out more.
For example, one of my friends loves to run. She longs for that runner’s high that comes after a long, sweaty excursion.
Personally, I think the only good reason to run is if you’re being chased by a bear…
Clearly not my thing.
Which brings me to Self-Care Foundations #2: Make it Personal.
Figure out what works for you, and don’t compare or copy anyone else’s habits.
One of my favorite ways to relax is in a salt-water float.
The float spa I go to is all about letting you personalize your experience.
You can choose the color inside the pod, change it at will, or opt for darkness.
They offer two different types of neck pillows to choose from – or not use at all.
Finally, you can have music all the time, none of the time, or at the beginning and end of your float. You can even pipe in your own music from your phone.
They’ve mastered the concept of personalization, and it makes all the difference.
(I would NOT relax if I had to endure yellow light and pan flute music. But that might be just what someone else needs.)
What are your self-care preferences?
Honoring your preferences is what gives the extra oomph to self-care.
Doing it your way. Giving yourself permission to go against the grain if need be.
Maybe hiking is your thing instead of running. Maybe it’s boba tea instead of coffee, or listening to an audiobook instead of reading.
Heck, maybe it’s skydiving!
Who knows!
Give yourself permission to do you, whatever that looks like. In life, in business, and in your self-care.
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