How to Prosper by Practicing Real Self-Care

There is no one-size-fits-all definition of "self-care," but at its core, self-care is about taking care of yourself both physically and mentally.

This can include things like getting regular exercise, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and more.

Everyone's self-care needs are different, and it's important to find what works for you.

Here are some things to ponder when practicing self-care:

1. Improve Your Inner Diet

When you take the time to improve your mental diet, you are practicing real self care.

This means making an effort to consume healthy, positive thoughts and emotions on a daily basis.

Just as you would with your physical diet, you want to be intentional about what you allow into your mind.

This can be done through things like meditation, journaling, reading uplifting books or articles, listening to positive podcasts, and spending time in nature.

By making a conscious effort to improve your mental diet, you will feel happier, healthier, and more balanced overall.

Your diet isn't just what you eat--it's also what you watch, read, and who you follow and spend time with.

If you want a healthier mind, start by removing the junk from your diet.

2. Its Okay to Let People Down

Letting people down can be really hard, but it's a necessary part of self care.

Sometimes we have to say ‘no’ to people, even if they're really counting on us. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it to put yourself first.

Your mental health is a top priority, and sometimes that means making decisions that may not be popular with others. Your career, money, and other people's opinions should not come before your own wellbeing.

If taking care of yourself means letting someone down, then sometimes letting someone down is okay.

3. Protect and Set Clear Boundaries

When you start setting boundaries and standing up for yourself, you may lose some relationships with abusive, manipulative, or narcissistic people.

However, you gain a sense of self-respect and empowerment.

You also open yourself up to healthier, more supportive relationships.

Setting clear boundaries is an important part of self-care. By setting boundaries, you are able to protect yourself from being taken advantage of or becoming overwhelmed.

When you have clear boundaries, you are also able to communicate your needs more effectively.

4. Make Healthy Replacements

Making replacements is practicing real self-care by making an effort to improve your health and wellbeing.

You are making sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.

This helps you to have more energy and feel better overall.

Additionally, you are taking time for yourself each day to relax and do things that you enjoy.

This helps you to reduce stress and feel more balanced.

Making replacements is also staying connected with friends and family, which helps you to feel supported and loved.

Replace Netflix binges with quality sleep. Replace superficial influencers with inspiring creators. Replace toxic friends with mentors.

Replace complaining with gratitude. Replace blame with responsibility. Replace overthinking with action.

Making these little replacements will leave you feeling a lot better long-term.

5. Look forward , Not Backward

When you focus on your future, you are automatically letting go of your past.

This is a form of self-care because you are no longer dwelling on negativity and you are instead focusing on positive growth.

Additionally, by looking forward you are setting yourself up for success and creating a more positive outlook on life.

If you're looking to improve your mental health, stop looking for happiness in the same toxic people and places that you lost it.

That person is still not good for your mental health, that relationship is still toxic, that job still sucks.

Your past is past. You need to look forward to keep moving forward.

Your windshield is bigger than your rear view mirror for a reason.

6. Enhance Your Library

Upgrading your library is practicing real self-care because it allows you to have access to new and exciting books that can help you learn more about the world and yourself.

It also gives you a chance to explore different genres of books that you may not have had the opportunity to read before.

Reading opens you up to life’s limitless possibilities. Allowing your imagination to flourish and form new and inspiring ideas.

7. Stop Self Rejection

When you stop self-rejecting, you are taking a step towards real self-care.

This means that you are no longer putting yourself down or putting yourself in a position where you feel unworthy.

Instead, you are accepting yourself for who you are and taking care of yourself in the best way possible.

This can be a difficult process, but it is so worth it in the end.

Don't be one of the many people who try to stop you from reaching your full potential.

If you're scared of rejection, apply for the job anyway. If you're scared of the unknown, move to that country anyway. If you're scared of what others think, be yourself anyway. It's time to stop self-rejecting your life and thrive!

Thanks for reading! I trust this allowed you to reflect and realize how self-care is necessary for a more nourishing life.