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We want to do it all. We want to be constantly successful. We never want to show weakness. But even the most capable person on earth can’t always be perfect. We’re taught our whole lives to come from a place of “yes” but a lot of times “no” is actually the strongest word in our vocabulary. 

Self-care is a word that gets thrown around a lot lately, but it’s not just getting massages or putting on face masks. Self-care isn’t always about pleasures and indulgences, it’s also about taking time to do things that you need to do to be healthy and ok for yourself. Sometimes that means being honest with yourself and moving things off your to-do list because you can’t handle them right now. Look at your schedule. Does it look full? If you’re feeling healthy enough then you may be able to do it all. But if you’re feeling ill, or you think that a full schedule is going to deplete you till you’re on empty it may be time to start making cuts.

You may not have to nix anything huge, but a few things here and there can make a lot of difference. For example, maybe you don’t have to sweep every day. You can make it every other day. Going to the gym is very healthy but if you end up feeling worse than before, it might be more than you can handle and a good idea to go only a few times a week instead of every day (though talk to your doctor if this is part of a medically suggested fitness routine or physical therapy). Human beings are social creatures but going out all the time can wear on anyone. Is there a social engagement this week that you can postpone or maybe switch to an evening in at your place? Being around people can be refreshing but you want to feel at your best when you do make time to see others. They will understand.

There’s no shame in knowing your limits. See what you can say no to this week so you can say yes to yourself.

Peer Health can connect you with a personalized peer community to share provider recommendations, treatment options, and define your best life. Sign up for our beta and newsletter today.