What is self-care? Self-care can be defined as “any deliberate act that positively impacts the self. It includes self-awareness, self-acceptance, taking care of one’s mental health, and attaining a healthy lifestyle.” Taking care of yourself is something that everyone needs to do in order to maintain their own well-being. Without self-care, it becomes difficult to function at your best on a day-to-day basis or care for those around you.
What is Self-Care
There are many ways in which you can practice self-care every day including meditation, mindfulness exercises, journaling or writing down thoughts or feelings that come up for you throughout the day; yoga/exercise; practicing gratitude by focusing on things you’re grateful for in life.
There are small and large acts of self-care. There are daily or more grand acts of self-care. For instance, a daily act of self-care could include being more aware of your thoughts on your commute, or perhaps you find methods to make basic activities like showering more pleasurable. Choose a soap based on a fragrance that you enjoy.
A more grand act might be a new outfit, a massage, or a night out. You could even plan a vacation or small getaway. All of these things are pretty normal acts of self-care for the average person. However, for the caregiver, even the smallest act of self-care can seem impossible given the circumstances, and that’s the kicker for people in our community.
Why is Self-Care Important?
When you’re a caregiver, it’s even more essential for you to look after yourself. Self-care does not imply that you prioritize yourself above others. It implies that you are only attentive to your own needs in order to better support the people you care about.
Our self-care, or lack thereof, will inevitably show in the way that we care for others. When you’re drained and depleted of energy, it’s going to affect your ability to be an effective caregiver. You might find yourself feeling isolated from the people you love and the things you enjoy.
When you’re helping someone else, it’s all too easy to neglect your social relationships. It’s critical to keep in touch with your family and friends who can provide assistance.
How VSP Can Support Your Self-Care Initiative
At the VSP we believe stimulating leisure time and socialization are the key components to developing lasting relationships and a healthy lifestyle. With this in mind, Angel Guardians has created the VSP (Very Special People) Club. We provide a safe environment where individuals can come enjoy activities while giving their parents or caregivers some respite time, or time to practice self-care.
Individuals can come to meet friends, join a team, take a Dance Fit class or just hang out and play games. Our members get access to a calendar of weeknight and weekend events as well as access to our exclusive club facility.
