If there is one thing postpartum taught me is that you have to occasionally unplug and just take care of yourself. I’m someone who has always been on the go. Seriously, I look for new projects in my spare time. However, I recently realized that this kind of lifestyle and attitude is hurting me. In fact, it may even be harming my finances.
Why Self-Care is Important
Self-care is one of the most important investments you can make for yourself. There is a laundry list of potential benefits to practicing a regular self-care routine. It can help reduce and even eliminate anxiety, which we’ve talked about on the blog a lot recently. Practicing regular self-care can also improve your concentration and energy while reducing depression, frustration, and anger. Here are a few more perks…
- Ambition: You will want to do more to reach your goals if you take time to unplug.
- Mental health: It will improve your mental health and improve your outlook on life.
- Finance: Regular self-care makes you less likely to splurge and more motivated to reach financial goals.
- Reset: Sometimes we just need a reset to focus on what’s important and carving out time for self-care does that.
The problem most people have, myself included, is seeing the return on self-care. Any time I take a moment to unplug and take care of myself I feel like I’m losing money or missing out on new opportunities.
After reading more into the benefits of regular self-care though, I know it is the exact opposite. Without the chance to perform regular self-care, I’m likely missing out on opportunities because I’m burnt out or just staying afloat with my current workload. So, where is the balance?
Self-Care and Money
When it comes to your finances, the “treat yourself” mentality can be dangerous. What many people don’t consider is that self-care doesn’t have to be an expensive spa day. Self-care can simply be hitting the gym, going on a walk, unplugging to read a book and take a bath. Whatever your heart desires! It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
Your self-care can also look like going over your budget and taking the time to organize your finances. If it reduces stress/anxiety in your life, DO IT. This is the meaning of self-care. You are unwinding, reducing stress, and making your life a little easier/better. No matter what way you look at it, practicing a regular self-care routine can make all the difference in the world.
All of this above is said to remind you to be easy with yourself and make sure your needs are being met. If you start taking better care of yourself, everything else will fall into place, including your finances.
Readers, how do you practice self-care?
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Amanda is an editor and writer. She has a passion for sharing information that helps people and communities to better themselves in some way. In addition to writing online, she also freelances for local newspapers in her hometown of Charlotte, NC.