Beauty in Vulnerability: Self-care tips for the woman who takes care of everyone but herself

Jan 18

“The most important relationship I can cultivate is the one with myself.” -excerpt from Naked: a memoir, Part III The Awakening, pg. 18.

Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not a luxury…it’s a necessity. We women tend to take care of everyone around us, often neglecting ourselves.

I became a wife and mother in the same year. The first couple of years of marriage and motherhood were a struggle for me as I attempted to navigate my new roles AND maintain my own identity. I had to CONSTANTLY tell myself, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Repeating that phrase to myself was my reminder that I am a priority and that NOBODY wins if I am depleted.

In order to move happily and confidently through this world, we need to stop being “sacrificial lambs” and make ourselves a PRIORITY so that we can pour into our loved ones, our careers and professions, our lives.

Below are a few self-care tips to get you started:

Set personal boundaries. Establishing boundaries helps you become more self-aware. It’s also a great way to help you set priorities and manage expectations. They can also keep you from competing obligations.
Enforce your boundaries. Enforcing boundaries demonstrates your self-respect. It also keeps your from getting overwhelmed and stressed. And it helps you become a better communicator.
Dress up. When you look good, you feel good. Even if you have nowhere to go, get dressed. Do it for yourself. Getting dress is like a mood setter. Who doesn’t like to look good?! Also, the very physical act of showering and getting dress can lift your spirits and make you feel productive.
Dance. We take ourselves way too serious. Put on your favorite song(s) and just dance. And then dance some more! Not only is dancing great exercise but it’s also a good mood lifter!
Decompress. NOTHING can run without a resting or re-charging period. Decompress…as much as is necessary. You will feel more rested, have more energy, and ultimately be more productive.
Give yourself grace. Lastly, one of the BEST ways you can practice self-care is by being kind to yourself and giving yourself grace. We are all humans; we make mistakes. There is beauty is this frailty and the ability to grow and learn…every day.