By: Guest Author
Published: November 11, 2020
Written by Sarah Kaminski- Guest Contributor
For the past few years, we’ve seen self-care grow in popularity, especially among younger generations. Health, emotional wellbeing, body positivity, and meaningful relationships have started to take center stage. Still, I can’t help but wonder: how did we ever get to a point where these values became the exception, not the norm?
Women, especially, have the tendency to put others before them. In some ways, we have been conditioned to become this way by our cultures. Just think about it. If a company creating STEM toy boxes for girls is news, then we’ve still got a long way to go as a society.
But equality is not what this article is about. Instead, it’s about the necessity for women of all ages to finally get in touch with their own selves. Because once we take the time to give ourselves what we need, the world is bound to follow.
What is Mindfulness?
Simply put, mindfulness is the practice of listening to one’s body and mind. It has gained tremendous popularity in the past few years. And, in short, it focuses on awareness – both of ourselves and our surroundings. By relying on meditation, it encourages practitioners to take a few moments every day, and just get in touch with their feelings. That’s it.
But nurturing self-awareness does not mean you have to go about it someone else’s way. Perhaps you feel more self-aware during your morning walk. Or, you might have come up with a bedtime ritual that allows you to reflect on your day, and prepare for the challenges ahead. For some, the very act of practicing a hobby like painting, or gardening, or writing, gives them a much-needed chance to take a moment and think.
In truth, there is no one formula for having a better relationship with ourselves. Depending on our individual situations and mindsets, it can take practice, patience, or just the acceptance that we can’t change everything. But no matter what hardships we encounter on the way, it’s a relationship worth nurturing and developing.
Starting with the body
Perhaps the easiest way to do good for ourselves is to take control of our health. With an abundance of resources available to us, it’s not that difficult to find a few best practices we can try out on our own.
But, there’s something we have to remember. All of us are individuals with different genetic markups. What this means is that what feels right for one person, may not yield results for another. Even more, most medical research is being done with men in mind, which often means that women’s symptoms and points of view go entirely ignored.
So, before we can nurture, we need to learn how to listen first.
Intuitive eating, for example, bids farewell to the dieting mindset, and focuses instead on tuning into the body for clues about hunger, fullness, satisfaction, and feelings. Sleep needs also differ when it comes to women and men, as does the impact of exercise, and the time required to recover.
Nurturing the mind
Once we have learned how to listen to our bodies, it’s time to widen our focus to honor our emotions as well.
While women are said to be more intuitive and empathetic, the reality is that we’re often required to disregard these gifts when they don’t serve our societies. But for us to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves, that shouldn’t be a condition.
Instead, we should focus on not just acknowledging, but also accepting our feelings. Only we have insight into our individual experiences, and to do what’s best for us, we must learn how to listen to ourselves. For some, time is enough. Others, however, might have to seek out help. But that’s all right. After all, self-love and self-care aren’t a competition. They’re individual journeys that aim to get us to a place of peace, and calm, and thriving.
Although being in touch with ourselves sounds like a goal on its own, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t just affect us.
A healthy mindset opens up endless opportunities in life. It allows us to question our values, career paths, our friendships, and romantic relationships. It gives us a chance not only to be at peace but also to recognize when we need a change or a challenge. And, ultimately, it grants us the courage to go after what we truly want and need.
So, whether you’re content where you are or feel like you’d do well with a shift, don’t forget that the key to your happiness lies in your own hands. You have so much strength and power. Use them. In the end, investing in yourself can only result in happiness.
Sarah is a life enjoyer, positivity seeker, and a curiosity enthusiast. She is passionate about an eco-friendly lifestyle and adores her cats. She is an avid reader who loves to travel when time allows.
The views expressed herein this article, written by a guest contributor, do not necessarily represent those of the Red Hot Mamas organization. The content is for informational purposes and should not substitute the advice of your doctor.