Self Care Week – 13-19 November 2023

What does self-care mean to you?

Self Care Week is an annual national awareness week that focuses on embedding support for self care across communities, families, and generations.

As a busy parent or carer, self care doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s not about finding hours of uninterrupted time; it’s about making the most of the moments you have. Small, intentional actions can still make a big difference. Understand that taking care of yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Just as you prioritise the needs of your children or loved ones, make a conscious effort to prioritise your own well-being.

We asked some of the ABSS Parent Champions what self care means to them – here are their free or low cost ideas:

• I take the time to make a proper pot of tea, rather than just a teabag chucked in a mug. There’s more purpose to it and makes you slow down for a few moments whilst it brews. Or sometimes it’s the opposite – whilst boiling the kettle I will do a few quick reps of an exercise for a little energy boost.
• My self care is to get out the house and spend time child free with other adults. This is rare but well needed.
• Saying no to things I don’t want to do, but feel I should do, is self care. But that doesn’t work across the board.
• Being kind by reminding myself that parenting is hard work, and not feeling guilty for not enjoying it all the time.
• Following people on Instagram who do the ‘Instagram vs Reality’ posts.
• Self care is about having that time carved out, regularly, to go exercise, read a book, go for a walk, have a beauty treatment or meet with others, not just once a month. Time for you to regularly connect with the things that give you energy, joy and space.

Self care is about understanding and nurturing your unique needs, as what is relaxing or energising for one person isn’t the same for everyone. Whilst the awareness week happens annually it’s important to implement some form of self care into daily life, whatever that looks like for you!

The Self Care Forum defines self care as: the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness.