Forgiving Yourself is the Most Important Self-Care Act
At AHS we believe self-care is so important, I mean we created a whole category on our blog devoted to it! But that being said, we also recognize that there can be a guilt-inducing toxicity that can come with the word itself.
Over the years Self-Care has become a bit of a buzzword, another box for us to check on our weekly ‘To Do.’ In many cases, it’s become a vessel for the justification of consumerism or another thing for us to feel guilt and shame about if we fall short of doing the ‘healthy’ thing.
Self-care can be a lot of different things and it’s definitely unique from person to person. So this week, we want to highlight the most important act of self-care there is, forgiveness for yourself. More specifically, forgiving yourself when you don’t practice self-love in the way that your best self would. Because let’s face it, life is a journey and we’re not always at our best. Sometimes self-care means not doing the thing that is healthiest but instead honouring our body and our self with what we need in a given moment.
Forgive yourself for… Not moving your body
You know that feeling you get when you know you should go to the gym after work because it’s good for you, but you’re having a week and can’t quite get yourself there? Isn’t it the worst? We’ve all been there, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to take a break and take rest when your body needs it. Honour yourself and your body for where it is in that present moment.
Forgive yourself for… Not getting enough sleep
Sometimes not getting enough sleep means you’re doing things that are also important to a balanced life. Like going out with friends or enjoying time with your partner! These moments are essential, so forgive yourself if it means you’re trading a few hours of sleep for joy and fun.
Forgive yourself for… Skipping the skincare regime
We’ve all done it. You get home late, you’re tired and ready to climb into bed. Your skin is not going to melt off if you skip a face mask, or heaven forbid your skincare routine for a night. Offer yourself some grace and practice self-care by listening to your intuition about what you need and what feels good to you.
Forgive yourself for… Indulging with food
As someone who has struggled with my relationship with food, this one can be especially difficult to forgive yourself for. We’re all for greens and protein, but sometimes taking care of yourself means eating intuitively, and energizing your body with foods that are delicious and indulgent. You have to have balance when it comes food, otherwise, we can find ourselves in rigid meal plans that set us up for failure, shame and guilt.
Though it is easy to feel like you’re neglecting your best self in these moments, give yourself the kindness and forgive yourself for being mindful and present. You are more than enough, exactly as you are.
Want more self-care tips and ideas? Check out our Self-care section and our Instagram to stay in the know.