Self-care is not selfish

Isn't it selfish to leave my children for the weekend? I don't have time to go for a walk. I can't afford to take a day off work. As a mental health therapist, I hear these statements frequently. We are not designed to be superhuman. Our society has evolved to applaud being constantly busy, having numerous activities, or maintaining the most active social lives. Women, in particular, experience the pull between personal and professional life, feeling the pressure to excel in both. I advise my clients that self-care doesn't need to be a grand, planned event. Sometimes, I suggest to the mothers I work with that if the shower is the only time they have to themselves, they should use it for self-care. Choose a soap with a scent you love and take deep breaths as you finish showering. Embracing these small moments and actions can make a significant difference, and doing so mindfully reminds your brain that "you are important too."