Why do we, women over 50, struggle with sef-care?
One of the reasons is that many of us have been or still are taking care of everyone other than ourselves and we haven’t developed essential habits of taking care of ourselves. I fell into this category for a long time while raising my children. Everything else came first. I wasn’t ever the “type” that got my hair and nails done, got a massage, or took a long week-end with my friends doing something I enjoyed.
Then, one day, the kids were gone and I didn’t know what it even meant to take care of myself. I was divorced and alone. It was a slow process of learning again what made me feel good.
And in some cases, women, despite knowing the immense benefits of self-care, still struggle to make it a priority in their lives. Self-care is crucial for our well-being and success, yet finding the time and motivation to incorporate it into our lives remains challenging for many of us.
Let’s explore some of the underlying reasons why we might find self-care difficult and discover actionable steps to make it a part of our routine. 
Lack of Self-Worth:
Many of us experience shame when it comes to self-care. Deep down, we might not believe we deserve it. This lack of self-worth often stems from a poor self-image, where we don’t feel worthy of the time and effort needed for proper self-care. Improving our self-image and constantly reminding ourselves that we are deserving of self-care can help overcome this barrier. It’s essential to recognize that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining our physical and mental health.
Perceived Effort:
Another common reason we neglect self-care is the perceived effort it requires. Setting aside time in our busy schedules can seem daunting, and often, this reluctance to make an effort is tied to a poor self-image or poor time management skills. It’s easy to fall into the trap of laziness, but recognizing the long-term benefits of self-care can motivate us to prioritize it.
The Hustle and Bustle: The hustle and bustle of daily life also play a significant role. Our lives are often filled with endless to-do lists, work commitments, and family responsibilities, leaving little room for self-care. The constant juggling act can make it seem impossible to find even a few minutes for ourselves. However, it’s important to understand that self-care doesn’t always require large chunks of time. Simple activities like a short walk, a few minutes of meditation, or even a quick nap can make a significant difference.
Guilt:
For some, the guilt associated with taking time for oneself is a major obstacle. We might feel that focusing on our needs is selfish, especially when we have responsibilities towards others. However, it’s crucial to remember that taking care of ourselves enables us to take better care of those around us. By nurturing our well-being, we are better equipped to handle our responsibilities and support our loved ones.
Procrastination:
Procrastination is another enemy of self-care. We often delay activities that are beneficial for us, waiting for the perfect moment, which never seems to arrive. Overcoming procrastination involves breaking down self-care activities into manageable steps and integrating them into our daily routines. Setting small, achievable goals can help build a consistent self-care habit over time.
So what can we do? It’s simple really. Just take actionable steps toward improving our self-care!
Acknowledge Your Worth:
Begin by affirming your value. Remind yourself daily that you deserve care and attention. Positive affirmations and self-reflection can significantly improve your self-image and make self-care a priority.
Start Small: Incorporate short, simple self-care activities into your routine. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, a quick meditation session, or reading a book, starting small makes it easier to build a habit without feeling overwhelmed.
Schedule Self-Care:
Treat self-care like any other important appointment. Block out time in your calendar specifically for self-care activities. This helps ensure that you dedicate time to yourself amidst your busy schedule.
Overcome Guilt:
Understand that self-care is not selfish. It’s a necessary part of maintaining your health and well-being. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to fulfill your responsibilities and care for others.
Set Realistic Goals:
Avoid the trap of procrastination by setting realistic and achievable self-care goals. Break down activities into smaller steps and gradually increase the time and effort you invest in them.
Seek Support:
Share your self-care journey with friends or family members who can encourage and support you. Sometimes, having someone to remind you of the importance of self-care can make a significant difference.
Embrace self-care as an essential aspect of your daily routine. Celebrate the small victories along the way and be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey. Remember, you are deserving of all the care and attention you give to others, and making self-care a priority is a powerful step towards a healthier, happier you.
Go ahead, take a long bubble bath, get a facial, a massage, or both! Read a book, take a nap, or take that trip you’ve always dreamed of. The benefits will feel amazing!
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