From Self-Neglect to Self-Respect – Part 1

We all need help sometimes, which is often hard to admit.

Self-neglect is a spectrum of behaviors rooted in mental, physical, social, and environmental factors that affect an adult’s ability to care for themselves. Some examples of self-neglect are malnourishment, poor hygiene, hoarding, isolation, ignoring vital healthcare, procrastination, and avoiding significant home repairs. Thus, self-neglect negatively affects a person’s life paradigm consequently perpetuating a state of dejection.   

The origins of self-neglect can be deep-rooted and concealed, usually coming from deep trauma.

There’s a complicated story behind what the person is living, and consciously or subconsciously, self-neglect becomes a coping mechanism to deal with life choices, decisions, and guilts. Anyway, just know that if this is your case, you’re not helpless but hopeless, for now. 

All we desire in life is to be complacent, comfortable, and content.

But we need to be ready, willing, and able to make decisions to help ourselves.

Every trauma needs its healing and processing time. For that reason, some people reject help and refuse to change. But when you lack self-compassion, it is easy to convince yourself that your lifestyle is “normal.”

So, what does it take to transform from self-neglect to self-respect? 

Action steps to navigate adversity 

Focus on practices that are accessible, affordable, and attractive to you. 

Your wholeness is vital to fulfilling your purpose. Learning the dimensions of self-care will help you identify the best practices to integrate into your life.

These dimensions are: 

-Physical care, which encompasses safety, health, nutrition, hydration, movement, physical touch, and sexual needs. For example, drinking water, sitting in the sunlight, eating a healthy meal, taking a shower, and changing your sleep routine. In my case, getting companionship (i.e., calling a friend to join me) motivated me to perform these tasks after eleven months of neglect. Someone special once told me “I’m not leaving your house until you shower!” Yikes.  

-Mental care, which is about finding the balance between stimulating your mind and giving it a break. As creative performers, we need new experiences every now and then so fresh ideas can flow and we can innovate our work. Therefore, trying a new hobby or re-exploring your passions will input positive memories. Journaling for self-reflection can also help you improve yourself. 

-Emotional care. You’re not in a race. You are not behind anything or anyone. Everyone functions differently. Having flaws is okay. Get Pineapple Support’s subsidized professional therapy. Learn how to set healthy boundaries and deal with stress the smart way. 

-Spiritual care. Connect with your source of faith and hope. Whatever you deem powerful and inspiring in your life. No rules are written for this. You own your spirituality. Nourish your soul with activities that make you peaceful and contribute to the exploration of your beliefs and values. 

-Relational care. This involves creating a support network that you can talk to when you need uplifting and guidance. Edit your inner circle, nurture old friendships, and schedule social downtime. If you don’t have friends and family of your liking, or your social tolerance is low, you may want to join an in-person group or club that you can attend once a week (bring food to your encounters, food is the best social glue). 

-Professional care. This involves the continuous pursuit of your personal growth and career success. Separate your work life from your personal life. Take breaks. Curate your workload. Learn the things you have neglected to learn in your career because they cause you anxiety or you think you’ll fail in them.

Put it into practice 

Now that you know the dimensions of self-care, start incorporating them into the activities that jive with you. Your path to self-love has just begun. Learn more in the second part of this article – coming soon!

Main photo credit by Natalie Bond from Pexels.com
First image credit by Olha Ruskykh from Pexels.com
Second Image credit by Magda Ehlers from Pexels.com

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A candid young lady with an over-the-top personality, Linda Ashford is the friend you can always talk to without feeling judged and get a good laugh afterward! You’ll always find a good thing to read from her. Follow her on Reddit and Twitter.