Self-Care Isn't Selfish

“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” - Eleanor Brown

As mental health awareness has become less of a taboo topic to discuss, society is starting to recognize that it is perfectly normal to seek help when you are feeling overwhelmed, sad or depressed.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the world, we seem to always make sure that everyone else around us is okay and happy, except ourselves. We tend to lose ourselves while trying to make sure others are cared for, often making us feel unhappy and empty inside.

To shine a little light in your life and make yourself feel better through all of your struggles, practice self-care. Whether you try a hot bath, talk to a therapist or take a day off to play video games and eat a Chalupa Box from Taco Bell, it is the little things in life that bring you back to your center, to where you feel most yourself.

I know that I, along with most people, feel like I am not being productive when I am doing the little things in life I enjoy. After a stressful day, I love to take a hot bath, order takeout, sit on my couch and watch my favorite television show or movie. I love it. It makes me feel like me again. It's the little things that help bring us to our center.

And if you are not sure what makes you feel at your center, I recommend searching through the things you enjoy in life. And if you still aren’t sure, then search for new things that you might be interested in and step out of your comfort zone. You never know what you could discover about yourself. That is what is so beautiful about life: the unknown discovery that could be waiting for you any second.

Take a deep breath and enjoy your life. Just always remember to take care of yourself first.

However, self-care has its limits, and sometimes outside help can be extremely beneficial. If you need additional assistance re-centering yourself or getting through a difficult time, please reach out to others. The University of Kentucky has many resources to help students, and there are other options like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) which should be utilized if necessary.