Self-care used to be just a buzzword to me. I would hear it thrown around in conversations, see it all over social media, and think to myself, "I don't have time for that." It wasn't until I hit a breaking point and realized that I needed to start taking care of myself that I began to see the real value in self-care.

 The thing about self-care is that it's not always easy, and it doesn't always come naturally. There are days when I feel motivated to go for walks, journal, and read a book. But there are also days when I feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and the thought of practicing self-care feels like just another item on my to-do list.

But I've come to realize that those are the days when self-care is most important. When we're feeling stressed, anxious, or depleted, taking time for ourselves can be the key to restoring our energy and finding balance. But how do we make self-care a practice, even on unmotivated days?

Here are a few tips that have helped me practice the art of self-care, even when I'm not feeling great:

1. Start small: Reeeeaaalllly small. Self-care doesn't have to be a big production. Start with small, manageable actions that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine, like taking a few deep breaths or going for a short walk.
2. Be gentle with yourself: On days when you're feeling low, don't beat yourself up for not feeling motivated. Acknowledge how you're feeling, and be kind to yourself. I know it can be hard.
3. Schedule self-care time: Treat your self-care like an appointment, and schedule it into your calendar. Whether it's 5 minutes or an hour, make it a priority.
4. Find what works for you: Self-care looks different for everyone. Find activities that make you feel good and that you enjoy doing, whether it's listening to music or practicing yoga.

Keep it simple: Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest actions, like drinking a cup of tea or doodling on a page, can have the biggest impact.

Self-care is more than just a buzzword. It's an important practice for all of our physical and mental well-being, and it's something to prioritize in our lives. Even on unmotivated days, we can find small ways to practice self-care and take care of ourselves.  

So, take a deep breath, prioritize yourself, and make self-care happen one little step at a time. I think this weeks quote might be one of my favourites.

Quote of the week:

"Self-care takes effort. It doesn’t just happen. The body and mind need to be maintained. Similar to a garden, without effort, weeds will pop up and overtake everything. With a bit of consistent pruning, the results can be beautiful." James Clear

In case no one has told you this lately, you're amazing.

Keep Doodling!

Melissa x