What exactly IS self care?

Living in the age of social media means that we're exposed to many fleeting trends, buzz words and health crazes - some of them more legit than others. One of the terms you've probably heard by now is "self-care." Maybe you've shrugged this off as another wellness fad, or maybe (more commonly) you've been thinking sounds great, but who has time for that? 

More than just a fad

Self-care is a real thing, guys. My primary exposure to this phenomenon has been through the world of social work and diabetes. But whether you're a social working diabetic or not, you still need self-care. Everyone needs self-care. Yes, even you Mom.

Self-care is particularly important for those who are prone to burnout - caregivers, people with chronic illness, mental health/medical providers, and first responders. Ironically enough, these tend to be the people who have the least amount of time for it. But fear not. You may surprised at how simple implementing self-care can be.

How do I self care?

First of all, check in with your priorities. Where are you on the list? After your spouse, kids, job, diabetes? The lower you are on your own priority list, the more urgent your need for self-care is.

Second, self-care doesn't have to be a huge undertaking. It doesn't have to be a lifestyle change, or a big interruption to your life. Self-care can take as little as 5 minutes of your day. Some tiny self-care examples:

• List (on paper or in your head) 5 things you're grateful for
• Watch a funny video
• Pet an animal
• Write in a journal before bed
• Stretch

See? Not so bad. Self-care is basically anything non-harmful to you or anyone else that releases those feel-good endorphins, or lessens our load of tension. For people with diabetes, it could mean taking a break from our CGM. It could be taking a break from Instagram, or unfollowing someone whose posts you keep comparing your BGs to.

It may seem like a silly indulgence, but remember - if you're not taking care of you, you eventually won't be able to take care of anyone or anything else.