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I love this quote so I am going to repeat it- No one can take care of you the way you can take care of you so make sure you take care of yourself. 

Let’s just agree on something- when it comes to taking care of ourselves, most of us lack the motivation; yet when it comes to doing it for someone else, we jump at the shot. If you know that your friend isn’t eating or sleeping well, you are gonna talk to them and try to help them any way you can. If you know your friend has anxiety issues, you’ll come up with a hundred different ways to soothe and check upon them. When’s the last time you checked upon yourself? It becomes way more arduous. 

Let’s talk about everyday things. I dunno why, but sometimes we, well I, used to feel that if I take care of myself first, in some way, I’ll be judged or seen as condescending. Or self-involved. It’s weird but it’s true. But if I have learned anything this past year, it is to be comfortable with yourself; to take care of your needs, and not feel bad about it. 

We are so accustomed to taking care of other people’s feelings and opinions, that we can barely even form our own. It often tends to become a part of our lifestyles and we just keep on changing our needs and identity as required. It’s exhausting.

So, how about we start heeding to ourselves now? 

Self-care is hard to define though-it can be pretty inconsistent across different people. However, all things considered, the basic concept to me seems- be aware and kind to yourself.

Precisely-

Accept 

This is in accordance with everything you don’t appreciate about yourself. Everything you wish to change. Don’t. All those little things make you who you are. Nothing is bad honestly, they are just conditionings put on our mind that this is beautiful and this is not. Even on the inside, accept yourself. Your thoughts, your mind, your creativity. Be kind to yourself and stop forcing changes for others. In the end, it’s all about you. After all, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. 

Make time 

Start being comfortable with yourself. I feel because we don’t constantly check up on our life, there comes a time when we become uncomfortable with ourselves only. Afraid of being alone with our thoughts, keeping busy- no way to deal with things. Make time and do stuff that makes you happy, that you do just for yourself. If not, then just have a meal with yourself. Whatever pleases you- make time for it. 

Don’t be afraid to quit

To be honest, I think this is our biggest fear. Quitting. I dunno why it is such a big deal. We continue to work and do things even when we know they are not working out for us. We know that it’s not worth it. Nevertheless, we don’t let our minds go there, we don’t put quitting as an option.

At the end of the day, not quitting is just an ego factor. Just a way to say that it was extremely tough but I didn’t quit. My mental and physical health both deteriorated but, I didn’t quit. Is it worth it? 

I am not saying don’t try. Of course, you cannot quit every time things get a little hard. You have to tough it out. But often, deep down we know that this thing isn’t making me happy and yet we continue to do it because- I don’t quit. Maybe this point doesn’t agree with everyone but I believe in struggling for things that make me feel good about myself. Again- be kind to yourself.

Physical Health

Don’t underestimate this. The power of good physical health is commonly precedented but ignored. Take care of your body, skin, hair. It isn’t dorky or uncool- it’s crucial.

That’s my list. Stop procrastinating self-care.

Whatever it means to you, however you feel taken care of, do it. Self-care has no one definition. It is quitting that job or unfollowing that toxic friend, it’s cuddling up with a good book at night instead of watching tv and it’s taking care of your skin and body. And most importantly, it’s taking care of your mental space. Check up on yourself and do what makes you happy- things will work out. Be kind. 

Take care of yourself, because no one else can do it better.

Keep the vibe flowing:)

Pranjali Jain