Taking Time for Self-Care

As we’ve navigated through 2020, the idea of self-care has transformed so much that it’s hard to really know what it even means. To us here at the Women’s Foundation of Montana and PowerHouse Montana, self-care is sowing the seeds for future happiness and success. It’s been revolutionized away from spa treatments and bath bombs to creating budgets and setting screen time restrictions to help you maintain some sense of normalcy in these strange times.

And that’s so important.

For many of us, this year has been emotionally and mentally taxing. With the chaos of having your kiddos/partner/pets around 24/7 and trying to deal with a decade’s worth of national and global events in one year and working as though nothing is happening, it’s time to take a moment to evaluate our needs.

Some questions you can ask yourself:

• Am I setting the necessary boundaries to keep my work–life balance even?
• What in my surroundings negatively impacts my mental health? What can I do to minimize that impact?
• How am I feeling in this moment? Do I need to lighten my load? Can I take more on?
• How can I meaningfully enjoy my time away from work?
• How can I incorporate little acts of self-care into my already busy schedule?

Self-care is so important to our well-being. Taking steps to take care of your needs has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve productivity, boost mood, and lower your risk for health concerns associated with chronic stress. Changes won’t happen overnight, but taking a moment every day to reflect on your needs and adjust will help you see improvements.

“Don’t forget to drink water and get some sun. You’re basically a houseplant with more complicated emotions.”

Unknown who wrote this, but it sure is accurate. Happy holidays, stay safe, and take care of yourself!