Creating Reminders for Self-Care
In our daily lives, it's all too easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. We may start the day with the best intentions, promising ourselves that we'll take time to drink water, remember to breathe deeply, and nourish ourselves with food, let alone, taking a few minutes to meditate, or spending time moving our bodies, journaling, or doing whatever helps us to feel more energized and resourced. But before we know it, the hours have slipped away, we’ve once again spent all day in front of a screen, and we're left feeling depleted, our self-care goals forgotten or too far away amidst a whirlwind of obligations and demands.
One thing I hear again and again at my self-care workshops is the simple yet profound importance of the reminder to consider self-care. And for good reason because no matter how deeply we understand the necessity of self-care, we all need gentle nudges to actually follow through on our intentions.
I think by now, we know self-care isn't a one-and-done endeavor; it's an ongoing set of practices that require consistent effort and commitment. And in our distraction-filled world, it's all too easy to let those commitments slide. I know I’m guilty of this, and this is where intentional reminders can come in – those gentle prompts, mantras, nudges, or questions that pull us back to the present moment and remind us to tend to our own needs with the same diligence we tend to our responsibilities.
Perhaps your reminder is a daily alarm on your phone, a sticky note on your desk, or a favorite self-care quote framed on your wall. Maybe it's a friend who checks in regularly, holding you accountable to your self-care goals. Or perhaps it's a designated self-care ritual, like enjoying a morning cup of tea or an evening journaling session, that serves as a built-in reminder to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
The form your reminder takes is less important than the act of actively responding to it. When we intentionally create and respond to these self-care prompts and reminders, we're sending a powerful message to ourselves: "I matter. My well-being is a priority." And what a powerful message to be sending to ourselves. With this, we're reinforcing the belief that self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity and something we deserve. It’s a radical act of self-respect and self-love in a world that often urges us to neglect or put off our own needs.
So, take a moment to reflect on the reminders you currently have in place, or where you would like them to be. Consider how you can build in more consistent reminders to prioritize your self-care. Whether it's setting a recurring calendar reminder, asking a friend for support, or simply placing visual cues around your living or workspace, find the reminders that resonate with you and commit to heeding their call.
Consistent self-care is an investment in your overall well-being, one that allows you to show up more fully – for yourself, your loved ones, and your responsibilities. So, embrace the power of your reminders, and let them be the gentle nudge that guides you back to loving and respecting yourself, time and time again.
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