What Lucy Hale Taught Me About Self-Care

So, I kind of feel like I know actress Lucy Hale now, even though I met her for a grand total of 10 seconds in March. I went to the South by Southwest Conference in Austin, Texas for work and, one of the nights, I attended an after party hosted by Bumble. And then I noticed her — standing in line at the bar.

Yeah, I know, I know, she was minding her own business, just wanting her drink. And, of course, I had to be the one obnoxious girl who went over, tapped her on the shoulder and asked for a picture.

But… I digress.

This story has a point, I promise. So… since I posted a picture with her on my Instagram and since social media creepily pays attention to everything we do, Instagram now highlights her stuff under the “Things you may like” section of my feed. And one of her posts that recently popped up was particularly inspiring.

Last month, Lucy, who currently stars in the CW show “Life Sentence,” went on a trip by herself to Arizona. She wrote on her Instagram, “I spent my days hiking, meditating, and spending time with myself. I’ve never done this before because I used to feel that putting myself first was selfish. It’s not. Not only is it healthy, but it’s necessary so that you can be the best for everyone else around you.”

“This trip was a beautiful reminder that my health and happiness are crucial to the life I want to live and in order to be the best for my career and my loved ones, it’s necessary to do really nice things for yourself. SO, I highly recommend treating your mind, body and spirit right (and taking a solo getaway).”

First of all, kudos to Lucy for taking time away by herself! The only time I’ve ever traveled by myself has been for work, and that’s been nerve-wracking enough.

Many of us don’t spend an adequate amount of time with ourselves — actually enjoying our own company. Many of us are scared to be alone. And many of us spend so much time constantly being busy and constantly being around other people that we hardly even know ourselves at all.

That’s one thing I’ve realized about myself lately. One of the triggers for my depression, I think, is the fact that I don’t let myself process my feelings. Most days are spent either going out for drinks with friends, working late or going to bed early — because I’m scared to be alone and actually spend quality time with just me. And, in doing so, I feel like I’ve lost some of myself. I’ve spent so much time trying to be what other people expect me to be or trying to make others happy that I don’t even know who I am or what I actually want anymore.

You are the only person in your life who, no matter what, will always be there. Yet, many times, our relationships with ourselves is put on the back burner. It shouldn’t be like that. Like Lucy said, giving yourself “me” time isn’t selfish. Instead, it’s necessary for your health. Whether it’s going on a solo trip or spending time meditating in the middle of the living room floor, I vow to take more time for myself and actually learn how to enjoy my own company. I vow to stop pouring from an empty cup and, instead, allow myself to be replenished.