“Self Care” Beyond Fancy Coffees

I’m not saying don’t buy the drink. I did and will continue to do so. But self care is not a one stop shop. It’s also:

•Catching up on sleep

•Connecting with community

•Calling your therapist

•Feeding yourself (yes, actual food)

•Journaling

•Giving yourself grace when you can’t do it perfectly

Let me share my self care after a birth I attended recently. Not because I’m an authority on it, but because it was imperfect and yet, still my best.

I got home early in the morning and I was not able to take the next day off work. I forgot to wash my face, ate a piece of cheese, crawled into bed, and crashed for a couple hours before my alarm went off. Then, I got up, showered, and went to work. I did not have time to pack lunch, but managed to grab coffee on my way in.

I gave my best to the students in front of me, but also asked them for grace. They’re 11, but they understand what it’s like to not get enough sleep. I closed my eyes at my desk while waiting for a meeting. I emailed my acupuncturist (she could not squeeze me in) and called a massage therapist for an appointment the next day. I took my 20 minute lunch to journal about the birth. 

I went home, made nachos because it was easy and I was starving, and talked with my friend on the phone. I forgot to email my therapist. I took 2 Benadryl and slept for 12 hours.

I took the next day to rest. I made cornbread and eggs. Went to my massage. My acupuncturist emailed about a cancellation in her books for later in the week. I took it. Then I got takeout for dinner and ordered a fancy matcha. 

I worked on documentation, ate dinner, and planned content. Most importantly, I did NOT beat myself up for not doing “self care” perfectly. I did it realistically and did my best to go to sleep early again.

This weekend, take a risk with authentic self care.

So much love,
Kyra