"How you treat yourself is how you are inviting the world to treat you."

Self-care is engaging in activities and behaviors that have a positive effect on your emotional and physical health. A great analogy of self care is the use of oxygen masks in airplanes — you’re supposed to secure your own mask before you assist others. If you can’t breathe, you can’t very well help anyone else. Practicing self-care is pretty much the same. You have to take care of your own mental and physical health before you can truly devote yourself to your family and friends.

Failing to care for your own emotional and physical needs before attempting to resolve those of others can really take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being.

Self-care involves a lot of introspection. It requires identifying your needs and taking the necessary steps to meet them. It's not selfish or a waste of time, it's necessary. Here's why:

1. It helps you to focus and re-focus.

It promotes feelings of calm and relaxation, serving as a way to refocus and come back to your daily life refreshed and ready to take on anything.

2. It boosts your personal happiness. 

Engaging in self-care activities shows that you care about the way that you feel. 

3. It increases your sense of self-love, allowing you to appreciate and accept yourself for who you are.

You are perfect with all of your imperfections. Self care encourages you to love every flaw, and learn to live with them. 

Ways to practice self care

• Doing one thing at a time
• Writing/journaling
• Poetry
• Get a manicure and pedicure
• Songwriting
• Meditation
• Walking or running
• Professional counseling
• Yoga
• Cleaning
• Saying NO!
• Massages

Ultimately, meeting your own needs makes you a more valuable partner, parent, friend, employee or caregiver. When you’re healthy and well-rested, you’re better equipped to support others.

What are you doing for yourself?

Good vibes,

Ebony <3