Self-Care—You’re Worth It

Aug 2022

Self-care is a broad topic, and depending on one’s personality and lifestyle, will be experienced differently.

It should not be something you only do if you have time, or a reward once other tasks are completed. Self-care needs to be an integral part of your daily life to strengthen your emotional, physical, and spiritual health for overall well-being.

In deciding the best self-care for you, remember, there are areas to care for other than physical and mental. It must also include social self-care, (very important for those living with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) personal, home-environment, and financial self-care.

Self-care can be as simple as sitting with a favorite book, cup of coffee or tea, or just taking a

walk. For some, it can mean a day at the spa, sitting on a beach, or hiking a favorite mountain.

The point is to create an activity in a space which brings you joy, peace, calm, and relaxation.

It’s nourishing your spirit, soul, and body.

When planning self-care, make it fun. Yes, fun! A key ingredient many have forgotten. When

one struggles with ADHD every day, having fun is a must! Laughter is good medicine. Try

watching comedy on YouTube. How about a classic episode of I Love Lucy, or having your

own dance party with your pet?

Some ADHD people build tiny new habits by taking any regular routine such as: daily grooming, or enjoying that first cup of coffee, and instilling one little habit to make it special or more pleasant. I have a friend who signals the end of the day by lighting a candle and putting on her favorite music while she prepares dinner.

After using the restroom in the morning, I do five standing push-ups against the wall or counter, look in the mirror and give myself a big hug. After breakfast, I drink half a glass of water, and say, “Good job!” After sending an email, I clear one item off my desk, and say, “Keep up the good work!” Sometimes, I even high-five myself.

No matter in what area you implement self-care, remember to consider: Are you listening to and treating yourself well, getting to know yourself, connecting with God, others, or nature? Are you taking time throughout the day to honor yourself? Sometimes it’s okay to eat the cookie and buy the shoes.

When you encourage, and cheer yourself on, you are not only blessing yourself, but you are able to love others and bring more to your relationships, and even your career!

Before you can pour into others, your cup needs to be full.

What’s one tiny thing you can do to begin taking care of yourself? Or one thing you can begin doing differently to bring you joy? How will you know you are taking care of yourself in just the right way?

I encourage you to take time to do things to improve your physical, mental, and emotional health to help you live life well.

Next month, more on self-care, along with how to build habits and establish routines.