Three Ways To Say ‘Yes’ to Self-Care

Because nurturers are so busy keeping everyone else happy and well, and everything running smoothly, self-care is not often on the radar, as there are too many other priorities. Saying “yes” to others so frequently can mean sacrificing self-care. Sometimes years and decades go by like this.

Every day, we make choices that lean toward optimal well-being or away from it: We can’t exercise—too many errands. We can’t go to bed early—too many deadlines. We’ll meditate when we have more energy. We’ll clear the clutter when we have more time. Turn “can’t” into “can” and “no” into “yes” with these three tips. Make it a mantra and add “I can” before each of these words.

Indulge. Indulgence doesn’t have to be earned. We can treat ourselves just because—reading a magazine without watching the clock, enjoying a quiet afternoon outdoors without a single device in sight, taking a summer stroll at sunset or eating a three-course meal al fresco of fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in a home garden. Indulge in something for the pure joy of it. Savor a square of dark chocolate. Linger over a conversation. Pour another cup of soothing tea.

Invigorate. Think beyond coffee. There is a whole world of rejuvenation that can revitalize and replenish the spirit: spending time outside (even five minutes makes a difference), staying committed to an exercise schedule, practicing yoga, meditating, pursuing a passion, expressing creativity or perking up a routine. Find a sweet spot of enthusiasm and keep it going.

Invest. Our health and well-being are the biggest investments we’ll ever make. Although not measured in dollars and cents, there is real value in the time we spend on self-care.

Saying “yes” to ourselves through self-care requires practicing over and over again so that it becomes etched in our muscles and bones, imprinted in our minds and acknowledged in our hearts that we are worth the effort it takes to indulge, invigorate and invest. We already know how. The thriving starts now.

Julie M. Gentile is the award-winning author of 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide, and creator of the Stand Up for Your Self-Care YouTube Channel. Get 25 percent off her books by registering for the monthly newsletter Nourish Note at JulieGTheYogi.com. Connect on Instagram and Facebook @JulieGTheYogi. Sign up for one of her evening yoga classes at BloomingdaleParks.org.

Free Upcoming Yoga Classes
and Self-Care Programs

Outdoor Yoga Class

Class from 2:40 to 3:10 p.m., May 15, at Thorndale Park at the Medinah Park District Health & Wellness Fest. Register at MedinahParkDistrict.org/Programs/Health_and_Wellness.htm.

Yoga for Self-Care

Two virtual classes available as videos in June on the Green Hills Public Library District website. Register at GreenHillsLibrary.evanced.info/signup/calendar.

Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos

In-person program from 10 to 11 a.m., June 26, at the Geneva Public Library District. Register at gpld.org/event/5026608.

Yoga and Self-Care to Help You Stay Calm in Chaos

Virtual program via Zoom from 7 to 8 p.m., July 22, at the Roselle Public Library District. Register at Rosellepld.org.