Take Care
Hey Strong and Beautiful Babes
This week, I've been thinking a lot lately about the idea of self-care, what with the Feel Good Rx workshop coming up and all. Through various conversations (with others and also inside my head), I've encountered some interesting reactions to this particular topic. It seems that we (the general, "average American" we) have inherited the notion that taking care of one's self is something along the lines of either:
a) a luxury, which is only deserved by those who've "earned" it by somehow having enough money and time to "indulge" in things like massages or pedicures or meditation workshops; or
b) a chore, like going to the gynecologist or sweeping the floor or doing the dishes. Something that must be done but certainly isn't "fun" (although these last two I find rather pleasant and meditative - does that make me a total mindfulness nerd?) and is often dictated by an outside source, such as a doctor telling a pre-diabetic patient to watch her diet and exercise more, or the dentist saying you must floss in order to take care of your teeth.
It struck me as a little funny that there could be such different approaches to the same idea, even in the same person (for instance, I balk at the idea that I should get regular massages because of their cost, yet I readily spend twice that on Pilates and trapeze lessons and fancy coconut oil for my face, no questions asked). Moreover, "take care" is a pretty typical phrase in our language that isn't particularly loaded one way or the other when said to someone we care about, so why the unwillingness to either "indulge" or "work" when it comes to one's self?
Well, the answer to that question is surely beyond the scope of my little writings, but it's worth thinking about. Do your workouts and classes feel like a chore? Are they an addictive indulgence? Or are they absolutely crucial to your sense of health, balance, or even happiness? What other things do you do that feel like you're taking good care of yourself? I know for me exercise has always been non-negotiable because of my dance background, but certain kinds feel better than others. For instance, dance class makes feel alive and happy and creative and rad while treadmill running made me feel depleted and unworthy. Strict diets with limited choices made me feel insane and hungry, while intuitive, no-rules eating of quality foods I love keeps me thriving and reduces stress.
Of course it's different for everyone (thank heavens) but if in any area of your life you're feeling stagnant or frustrated or unwell, it might be worth thinking of ways to take better care of yourself that don't include anything too strict or unpleasant. My shortcuts? 10-minute meditations in the morning, frequent dates with my foam roller, and pretty walks whenever I can.
What do you do for yourself?
Music
Indulge your ears here with weekly playlists from me from my barre & dance classes. Reply back with links to your favorite songs or any music you think I would dig.
BodyRhythm
BarreBod
See you at the barre!
TAKE CARE,
Annie
