At first glance it almost seems silly to have a whole month dedicated to self-care awareness. We all know how important it is to take care of ourselves - to put our own oxygen mask on first, as the saying goes. However, knowing something and actually acting in that manner - doing something - are two very different things. It is very easy to cut corners when it comes to our own well-being, our own health or peace of mind. We are usually the first people we neglect. Occasional short-cuts become habits and before you know it - we’re stressed and overwhelmed and ill. And the irony is, when we get to that point we are entirely incapable of taking care of others - the people that matter to us the most.

If you really want to do right by your family, if you really want to be there for them when they need you most - be it now or later - then we all need to take responsibility for taking care of ourselves. We need to treat ourselves as the special, irreplaceable, beloved people we are.

So whether time spent in nature, a 10 minute moment alone to meditate, a luxurious spa day, or just accepting a hug from a friend are what the doctor (you) ordered - do it. Or do all of them. Or create your own self-care practices. The point is, do something to take care of yourself in a way that has meaning and impact for you. And then when you are feeling rejuvenated and re-energized - share your experience with a friend. Imagine how wonderful life would be if we all realized how worthy we all are.

Not feeling creative? Follow these links to start your down the road to self-care.

• 74 Self-Care Ideas for Stressed Out People Pleasers
• 21 Free (And Inexpensive) Self Care Ideas
• 275 Self Care Ideas (and Activities) for Coping with Life

That should keep you busy for a while.

Your relationship with yourself sets the tone
for every other relationship you have.
~ Robert Holden