mental health – Page 2

Self care has been hijacked by overpriced candles and Insta-worthy aesthetics. It’s time to take it back and make it your own – honest, accessible, and tailored to your needs with unique methods of accepting your authentic self!

What Rebel Self Care Really Means

Rebel self care is about rejecting the cliches by only saying “yes” to whatever fuels you (even if it is cliche). It’s also about rebelling against “hustle culture” and complete selflessness. It’s about embracing boundaries and prioritizing your needs. Self love isn’t narcissistic and self care isn’t selfish, they’re necessary for self preservation.

Create a Self Care Plan That Doesn’t Suck

Step 1 : Identify what drains you

List 3 things you despise doing, and brainstorm how you can minimize, delegate, delete, or make them fun.

Step 2 : Identify what fuels you

Ask yourself “What makes me feel like me?” Make as long a list as you can.

Step 3 : Commit to regular acts of self care

Schedule days, make it a habit, and don’t let anything get in your way.

9 Rebel Self Care Ideas

Physical Wellness Basics Done Your Way

Forget 8 hours & calorie counting – What fuels your energy and makes you feel alive? What is your body asking for more or less of?
Make exercise a celebration, not a punishment – Dance like you’re in a primitive tribe, host a personal silent disco, go for an urbex hike (carefully!), or punch a pillow
Hibernate like a boss or schedule a Do Nothing Day – Rest isn’t lazy, it’s recharging for your next move

Break the Mental and Emotional Self Care “Rules”

Twisted journaling – write angry letters that you’ll never send, list what you won’t do this week, or create a mood board with magazine clippings
Practice selective apathy – Choose where to care and let the rest go
Therapy or vent sessions – Whether a pro or a trusted friend, let it out
Mindful daydreaming – Occasionally indulge in intentional fantasies about your ideal life, overcoming challenges, etc. Positive, productive daydreaming is akin to visualization, which can improve confidence and mindset.
Rage bake a masterpiece – Embrace the inevitable mess and channel some frustration into a chaotic, experimental baking session. Disaster or not, it’ll be cathartic.

Whatever you try, be sure to practice healthy boundaries and responsible self care. Your mental health is not a trend, it’s your life.

Why Rebellious Self Care is Essential

It’s not just about you. When you take care of yourself, you show up better for your loved ones and your work. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Choosing to protect your mental health in a world that wants you burned out is revolutionary.

Conclusion

Rebel self care is yours to define. Reject the cookie cutter version and build what feels true to you.

This February, ditch the rules and create a self care plan that’s as bold and unique as you are. Start small. Start now. Start by putting yourself first – unapologetically.

I figured this post would be most useful now, before the holidays get too crazy. In other words – IMPLEMENT IT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!!! LOL

Every day I do dishes, laundry, & cook food. Except Sundays. On Sundays, I do nothing. And I don’t give a fuck. It’s nothing religious; it’s simply self care.

Why Do Nothing? Because I’ll burn out if I’m constantly doing things, & so will most people. Even nature takes a break once in a while. So I try to avoid the sickness & sadness by scheduling time to do “nothing”.

What is a Do Nothing Day?

A Do Nothing Day is a self care boundary I’ve set with myself & my family. It’s a day full of journaling, yoga, reading, meditation, and whatever other self care activities can refill my cup of energy for the week. If I miss a Do Nothing Day, everyone knows it because I’m dragging myself along all week as a cranky mess. The dishes & laundry can wait, & there’s plenty of easy to prepare food in the house between the freezer, pantry, & leftovers in the fridge that I shouldn’t have to cook a damn thing.

When To Do a Do Nothing Day

When to do nothing depends on a person’s schedule, of course. I’ve found that I can generally get out of doing anything on Sundays because it seems like most people don’t like to do things on Sundays.

Solo Retreats & Such

A “staycation”, a “solo retreat”, a “do nothing day”… There are lots of names for making time to keep your head from exploding. A “staycation” can mean forcing yourself out of your usual routine for a day or more, as if you were going on vacation, but not even leaving your town. Or house, if you so please. A “solo retreat” can mean the same thing, but structuring your time to focus on self care. I like the idea of a “Do Nothing Day” because it’s a weekly date set with my peace of mind.

How to Do Nothing

What refuels your energy? This is different for everyone of course, but consider things you don’t often have time to do otherwise. Some examples could be playing video games, reading a book, or writing in your journal. You could structure your day (or days, depending on how burned out you feel) by setting aside certain times for certain activities, or by including nourishing foods at set times throughout. Or you could just go with the flow, just make sure you don’t get sucked into an activity that drains your energy at a certain point (like video games or watching tv does to me…& most people who are being honest with themselves lol).

So, pick a day & adapt it as needed. Don’t give up on it – you won’t regret it & you know that! Let me know in the comments below what kinds of things you do, or would like to do, on a Do Nothing Day, and let me know if you’re having any trouble with the idea (I’d love to try to help!)

Enjoy the calm amidst the storm!!

Tag: mental health

Rebel Self Care : Redefining Love and Wellness for Yourself This February