Self-Care Advocate and Movement

I was approached by SelfCareMovement to share why it’s important to be connected to a self-care advocate.

Self-Care Advocate

First, what is the self-care movement? “The mission is to transform perspectives about chronic illness and the way we manage it, to celebrate the greatness in ordinary accomplishments that patients face every day.”

“When people think of chronic disease, they typically think about the medical aspects of managing and coping with it. The less palpable aspects of everyday life with a chronic illness are often left unspoken about.” (see spoon theory)

Importance of being a Self-Care Advocate

Secondly, why is it important to be part of this movement and advocate? That answer is a bit more complicated and ongoing.  I guess the simple answer is, if I don’t take care of and love myself, my health will dramatically fail.  And if mama’s not well, the family can’t be its best.  So I take care of myself for myself.  I also do it for my kids, my family, my friends, and my coworkers.  But the bottom line is, being a self-care advocate for me is to be able to enjoy those people, be with those people, and be there for them at my best.

This is why I think it is important to be a self-care advocate.  As a mom, wife, and all those other roles I play, I have put myself last.  Putting myself last ends up triggering me and making me sick.  So I have learned that taking care of myself takes care of them.  I advocate being an example and reminder to those who don’t put themselves at the top of the list.

How I Show Self-Care

I post pictures on Instagram that I hope to inspire healthy living, mind, body, and soul. Also, I tweet and retweet migraine and chronic illness information to spread awareness and knowledge I blog about My Migraine Life to show my readers that life is full of suffering and growth which can turn into something beautiful.  I try to be positive in the dark times and lift those up who need it.  We all go through a rollercoaster in life and being a positive light as a migraine sufferer and mom hopefully brings hope and inspiration.  I find great inspiration from comments, shares, likes, and support I get from sharing my stories.  Knowing that I’m helping is very rewarding!

“Self-care is about experiencing greatness in ordinary and simple day-to-day activities that help people feel better despite the challenges of illness.”

— Grace Soyao, Founder & CEO, Self Care Catalysts

Lastly, Some examples of what I do for self-care

• Working out.  Walking, hiking, yoga, elliptical, stretching
• Drinking lots of water.
• Eating well.
• Quality sleep routine
• Acting like a kid again.  Playing, listening to music, singing,  games, sports, art, reading, and being creative
• Pampering myself. I love massages, Epsom salt baths, saunas, and mani/pedis.
• Snuggles.  Touch is a powerful thing.  Tiny arms can give big love and furry friends can be therapy.
• Strong relationships.  Whether it’s date night, girl’s night out, family dinner, coffee talk, or a quick chat at the water cooler.  Having positive people that lift you up important for self-care
• Vacation. Long, short, near, or far.  Feeling like I have gotten away changes my mentality

How do you connect to the Self Care Movement?

How do you advocate for yourself with self-care?

Your ideas may inspire someone to take better care of themselves

[UPDATED]

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