The Self-Care No One Is Talking About

2020 changed the game.  And, even though we thought 2021 would be different, at times it feels like more of the same.  We have all shifted our lifestyles, sanitized our hands, and made the best of things.  But, no amount of toilet paper could have prepared us for what lay ahead or resulted from Covid-19.  

Along with the zoom meetings and social distancing, came increased talk of mental health awareness and self-care.  I, for one, couldn't be happier.  The day of de-stigmatization and acceptance is dawning.  And, we as a society are beginning to realize that self-care is not self-indulgence.  It is self-preservation.  With all we are and all we do, taking care of ourselves must be a practice and discipline.  

For each of us, self-care may look different.  The beauty is, if the ends are health and wellness, you get to define the means.  Consider this full permission to leave the guilt behind and take stock of what makes you feel joy, less stressed, and more able to take life head on. 

With all the talk and text about self-care, I can’t help but notice one type that is always missing.  Yes, I’m with you.  I have heard we should find the activity that allows you to let go, take a break, lean in, and feel better.  There’s suggestions of taking a walk, doing yoga, meditating, or finding a hobby.

But I’m here to let you in on the secret self-care no one is talking about….going to therapy!  Yes, I said it.  Go to therapy because therapy is self-care.    

Now, it may not be listed on a google search or one of Alexa’s top 10 recommendations.  But, I guarantee you, therapy is self-care.  

Just think about it.

If self-care means taking an active role in protecting your own well-being?  That’s therapy.

If self-care is anything you do to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy?  Score another for therapy. 

And if self-care aims to make us more capable, grateful, calm, and equipped to take care of everyone and everything that depends on us?  Yep, you got it therapy!

So, take the walk, do the yoga, meditate for goodness’ sake, find the hobby, and consider adding therapy to your regime.  You deserve to carve out the time- do it!  We all deserve as much self-care as we can get.