Take Care of Yourself

I was raised in a family and culture that encouraged selflessness. On this side of the fence, it was better to be there for others rather than prioritizing myself. Growing up, I lived up to these standards, but there was a point in my life where I said, “I need to take care of myself too.” 

When I made this decision, it was life changing. At first it was very difficult to follow through with my decision, but over time, it was easier to achieve. You might think self-care is an extra thing on your schedule, but I encourage you to make “self-care” as part of your daily routine. 

Some ways you can incorporate self-care into your day, but are not limited to are:

• Choosing a Relaxing Activity. Going for a walk or watching a movie of your choice allows you to take a break from the daily routines of life. It forces us to pause and soak in the beauty of nature and peaceful moments.

• Practice Gratitude. Speaking words of gratitude encourages us to see the world through a positive lens. This helps us maintain a healthy mindset throughout tough days in addition to encouraging others with positive affirmations.

• Eating Healthy. Through this practice, we are creating healthy habits and disciplining our bodies. Not only this, but it helps regulate stress, maintain high energy levels, and physically feel better about yourself. 

• Sleep. We have all encountered days where it seems impossible to get 8-10 hours of sleep whether it be as a result of school, work, kids, or us choosing to sleep late. Nevertheless, the act of simply closing our eyes and allowing our bodies to relax is beneficial to our self-care.  

Many people are always seeking control over something or feel a lack of control. Self-care, though, is something we have control over. We choose to take care of ourselves or not. Hence, I encourage you to take some time in your day to practice positive self-care habits. My hope is that every individual reading this can practice self-care in whatever way fits them best. 

Written by: Rachel G, Master’s Intern at Olive Branch

If you need support, live in the Chicago area, and would like to speak to a professional counselor, please contact Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc. at 708-633-8000. We are located at 6819 – 167th Street in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477.