I talk a lot about engaging in self-care and doing so with self-compassion because scientific research shows that our ability to do things kindly is a key factor in our ability to lose weight, engage in habit change and achieve our goals, whatever they may be. But often the term self-care is misrepresented into what is easy or feels good in the moment. In this episode, we’ll discuss how our misinterpretation of self-care can actually lead to self-neglect and why it is important to define a self-care practice mindfully.

Sometimes we equate self-care with an extra glass of rose’ 🍷 or allowing ourselves to binge on pantry snacks 🥨 at the end of a long day. 

So what, we may say to ourselves, I worked hard, I deserve this. 

Really, is that what you deserve? You worked hard so you are going to fill your body with processed foods that will make you feel empty. You worked hard so you are going to derink excessive amounts of a substance that will fragment your sleep and increase anxiety?

That is not self care. True self-care is not succumbing to what is easy and feels good in the moment. True self care means doing hard things because we know they are in our best interests and because we know we are worth the time and effort it takes to do them. But only if we can encourage ourselves to do those things in a way that is compassionate, patient and without judgment.

Self care means taking the time to eat and prepare nourishing food because fast food comfort foods will make us feel depleted. Self care means opting not to drink  alcohol but going to bed early instead because the soothing that you really need is rest and repair. Self care means taking your body out for movement in nature because you know that while it may be hard to find the motivation at first, both those things will serve your mind and body. 

So, I want to encourage you to rethink what it means to truly care for yourself and to approach these things in a self-compassionate manner by accepting where you are in this moment, accepting yourself just as you are in this moment while also committing to the sometimes hard things that will truly offer you care and nourishment.

Remember, you don’t have to be perfect in order to be effective!

If you want to hear more about these topics, tune into my weekly HealthBite podcast. Feel free to scroll past episodes too! Remember, knowledge is power! 

Wishing you a happy holiday season, a happy and healthy week! 🥳

If you want more, listen to my podcast HealthBite, where I offer weekly “bites” on how to live well.

Xx,

Dr. Adrienne