I believe self-care is becoming a more significant part of our health journey. Though I wonder if the meaning of self-care has evolved over time. I've always considered it doing the "extra" things to treat yourself. You know, the massages, getting your nails done, a girls' weekend, a warm winter vacation.
I'm not good at those types of self-care, well, except for girlfriend time. I really look forward to spending time with girlfriends - and an occasional trip.
Now, I believe self-care includes much more than that. We need to take the driver's seat of our health and know what we're putting in your body - or choosing not to. It's crucial to do our research, be prepared and ask questions. We need to be our strongest advocate.
I haven't always been very good about asking questions, and I think that has been the general consensus for many of us for many years.
I can remember when I was in college I had a rash on my legs. I went to the doctor and was treated for scabies. I wasn't familiar with it, so I just did as the doctor prescribed. When I told my mom, however, she knew exactly what it was. She asked if my roommate or my boyfriend had a rash, too, because scabies is quite contagious. Neither did. After a week of treatments, my condition was worse - much worse. I was eventually sent to a dermatologist who snickered at the scabies diagnosis from the general practitioner.
Turns out I had eczema. With a medicated cream and a handful of trial-size lotions to try, it was cleared up in a matter of weeks.
Today, I would have gone into that appointment after doing some research online going into that appointment with some ideas of what I had. I most likely would've asked more questions about scabies and mentioned that my closest companions had no symptoms.
For many years I still had small breakouts on occasion and depended on the same lotion and cream to keep my eczema under control. It wasn't until some years later that I learned the lotion I was using, although it helped, had ingredients that were not ideal for my skin or my condition.
I searched out new lotions. Since changing lotions, I have not had one breakout of eczema. I don't know for sure how long ago that was, but it has quite awhile now.
I should add that I also have changed my food choices because often what's on the inside is reflected on the outside. I was reading labels or making many things homemade instead. I like to think of food as gas. Ha! No, not toots and burps! I'm thinking gasoline - fuel. We run best when our fuel is clean, pure, natural, just like an engine.
I discovered we deserve better. We have to treat our bodies like they matter because they do! We are an amazing workmanship. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We're a masterpiece - one in over billions and billions of people, and we should be treating ourselves as such.
I know it's hard to feel like we're worthy, that we're worth the effort. Managing self-care is another big responsibility. And, we feel overwhelmed with other responsibilities already, so taking the time... no, making the time to prioritize our self-care is no small ask.
That's why I suggest treating yourself to the 5-Day Spring into Summer Challenge. I mean, it's 5 days. And, if you can feel better, have more energy, and maybe even lose a couple of pounds, then I'd say it's totally worth it. It runs from June 2 - June 6th. Registration includes a meal plan, a live Kick-off event on June 1st and daily connection with me and other participants. Set yourself up to feel great all summer from the outset!
More information is available at this link: 5-Day Spring Into Summer Challenge.
In courage, Dani
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