Self-care is an important component of a person's mental health, but there are misconceptions about what it is. It’s common to dismiss the self-care movement as “selfish” or “superficial.” But for parents, self-care is so much more than breakfast in bed or treating yourself to a spa day. It’s about taking care of your health so that you’re prepared to be the best parent you can be for yourself and your children. The definition of self-care is any action that you use to improve your health and well-being. According to the National Institute of Mental Illness (NAMI), there are six elements to self-care:
