Self-Care
Contributed by Speak Up for Kids Student Intern Team — This article was developed through the combined efforts of multiple student interns, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to support life skills education for foster youth.
Overview: What is Self-Care?
Self-care has been defined in many ways, but it simply means taking care of yourself. While this seems straightforward, it can be challenging to practice at times.
Self-care is an important way that you can care for yourself both physically and mentally. It is also a way that you can recharge so that you have the energy to be kind to other people, to do the things on your to-do list, and go to school or work.
Why does Self-Care Matter?
Self-care is important because it helps you balance yourself. Self-care is not a goal by itself or an excuse to avoid hard things or do whatever you want. Self-care is a tool that helps you to grow and to do hard things.
The challenge is that some activities (like watching TV) that can help with self-care in small amounts, can become destructive if there’s too much.
Self-care is only self-care if it is balanced and leaves space for having self-discipline. Self-care is resting, but it is also loving yourself enough to do the hard things, knowing that they will make you a better person in the end.
Self-care gives you the rest and energy that you need to do things that are difficult.
Tips for Practicing Self-Care
Take a moment to think about what types of things relax you, because self-care looks different for everyone. Do you like sitting down with a good book to read, or would you rather be outside playing a game of pick-up soccer? Do you feel rested when you spend time alone, or do you prefer to spend time with friends? Knowing what you find restful will help you decide what self-care looks like for you.
Schedule time for self-care. Just like things like going to work or school is something that you plan for, self-care needs to be practiced intentionally. Setting aside time for self-care does two things. It makes sure that you actually make time to practice self-care. It also helps you practice discipline by deciding in advance how much time you will spend practicing self-care each day.
Final Thoughts
Self-care is a tool that helps you grow, not an escape from responsibility. When practiced with balance and intention, it gives you the rest and energy you need to face hard things and keep moving forward. By learning what truly restores you and making space for it in your life, you are choosing to care for yourself in a way that supports both your present and your future.
