WF VOICES
no matter how awesome they seem or how
much I want to help, is a tool it has taken
me years to hone, but one that serves me
well when it comes to my mental health.

By stepping away from volunteer activities
or extra projects, I give myself permission
to prioritize what’s important to me at
this time in my life, knowing I can go back
to them later when I’m ready.

Literally taking care of myself. Making
sure I am drinking water, choosing the stairs,
eating good foods that fuel my body, taking
a shower—no need to wile away in a pile of
bubbles, just being clean is enough. Doing
simple daily activities to give me the energy
and confidence to tackle the day feels like a win.

Hanging out with friends. Those bitches
are my life line! It doesn’t matter if I need
to air out some grievances, bounce ideas off
them or just check in to see what is going on in
their lives, touching base with other women
in my life truly energizes me and gives me the
space to get out of my own head. The women
I surround myself with are smart, driven and
empathetic people. They listen, laugh and
love with the best of them. I know stepping
away for a coffee or a walk with them will give
me a new perspective or just a break from the
monotony of the day. And, honestly, a hot
coffee and really good breakfast sets me up
for a week’s worth of happiness.

Writing. It gives me such joy to share my
perspective and feelings with the world to
help women feel less alone. But even if I am
journaling for no one but myself, getting
my thoughts down on paper helps me work
through situations more effectively than
anything. Alternatively, writing creatively
gives my mind an outlet, a space to go where I
can imagine any scenario and outcome I want.

I can create new characters and timelines. The
freedom to create and see my work on paper is
a gift and a release all at the same time.

Self-care doesn’t have to be a burden or one
more proverbial item on the to-do list. The
expectations for how self-care is supposed to
go can sap the very mental energy it’s expected
to bring. If you can make yourself a fancy
meal for one that you can enjoy after bedtime
instead of eating PB&J crusts and macerated
vegetables, or steal away three minutes before
walking in the door after work to meditate, or
say no to the 10th birthday party this month,
your mind, body and overfilled cup will
thank you. n
50 Washington FAMILY AUGUST 2020
THE EXPECTATIONS
FOR HOW SELF-
CARE IS SUPPOSED
TO GO CAN SAP
THE VERY MENTAL
ENERGY IT’S EXPECTED TO
BRING. VICTOR_TONGDEE / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS