Have you ever wondered about the rise of the self-care concept? Interwoven with the “make time for me” mindset, it can seem a bit self-indulgent. But it actually has medical roots going back generations and then came to embody empowerment. Regardless of how or why it has traversed the ages, the common thread is that making time for self-care affects your outlook on life and provides cohesion between our mental and physical states — what health practitioners term the “mind-body connection.”
The impact of self-care is one reason why we at Stay Fit are so passionate about the Stay Fit Living @ Stay Fit Housing concept. There is no better way to emphasize the importance of self-care than to demonstrate the ease with which you can incorporate a few daily moments of focus into your routine — without having a superstar bank account.
Physical fitness for you
For some people, having a gym membership is a motivator — after all, if you are spending money on it, you may be more inclined to faithfully attend to get your money’s worth. There are some affordable memberships out there, but when you factor in other variables — such as the commute, childcare, showering, and changing — you are chipping away at your busy day. Even if your apartment building has a gym or you can afford the expense and room for a home gym, you may find that you simply don’t look forward to intense cardiovascular or weight conditioning regimens, which is hardly a recipe for self-care success.
The notion that physical fitness has to hurt to be effective is simply not true. Engaging in any physical activity realizes self-care benefits, whether it’s playing or walking with your dog outside or hiking or yoga. Vowing to walk or take stairs whenever possible also counts — and if you must count, use a step-tracking device to set and track daily step goals.
Meditation and music
Even financially-secure celebrities embrace the no-cost self-care practices of meditation, reading poetry and inspirational quotes, and finding time to really listen to music. It can stimulate your mind at the beginning of your day and relax it at the end.
Vacate the stress in — or near — the ‘hood
The “staycation” is also enjoying a resurgence — the idea that you can achieve the benefits of a traditional faraway vacation at or near your home. If you or your partner get vacation time through work, you are entitled to that time, even if you cannot afford your dream cruise or tropical beach escape.
Fortunately if you live in (or near) a city like Los Angeles, there are ideal opportunities for staycations that still provide the necessary physical and mental escapes. Choose a vacation rental with all of the necessities of home, the amenities of a grand hotel, and the luxuries of a paradise destination. Prepare healthy meals in a fully-equipped kitchen; workout in a gym; meditate in a private, calming room or by a poolside lined with lush vegetation — all vital to your continued self-care. Stay near the beaches of Playa del Ray or Redondo Beach for sand satisfaction, or stay in Central LA for easy access to leisure activities for every member of the staycation family. Or surround yourself with the extravagance of Bel-Air, Beverly Hills, and Brentwood — but on your budget.
Have it all
Think of self-care as preventative health care that you can work within both your time and financial budgets. It is an investment that will reap mind-body rewards for you, your family, and others around you — even your employer. If you empower yourself and make a self-care commitment, everyone will benefit.
Emma Grace Brown lives her life by her rules; it works! When she's not snuggling puppies, Emma promotes female empowerment through her website. Her mission is to help those who live with self-doubt to realize they don't have to mold themselves to conventionality.