As a person who wants to live a healthy life, self-care should have meaning in your life. Self-care is a foundational component of my wellness message and so I’m sharing it’s importance with you today.
Self-Care can defined in many ways. It broadly means to do whatever you need to to do to be good to yourself. (Note that this means doing things that are uncontroversially good for you- no drugs, alcohol, over-eating or dangerous activities). I define it a little more holistically:
So, now you may be asking one or two questions. “Why is this important to me? It kind of sounds like some flower-child, wishy-washy BS” or “I would love to do things for me, but isn’t that selfish?” or “I’m too busy taking care of others to take care of me. When do I find the time?”
These are all valid questions and I have the answers.
Why Self-Care is Important
There are scientific studies proving the physical and mental benefits of self-care. So. it’s no longer considered whisky-washy BS. Here are a few of the proven benefits:
- Promotes Physical Health- eating healthy food, staying active, getting sleep and personal hygiene are all contributors to self-care. When I don’t shower for 3 days (thank you children), it reflects on my physical health. I will feel sluggish and gross which can lead to not eating healthy or getting active. Moms- I know you can relate. Showering is truly self-care!
- Promotes Mental Health- It is so easy to get caught up in the craziness everyday. We are bombarded with info and stimuli the second we wake up to the second we fall asleep. Taking time to step away from the crazy allows us to clear and calm our minds.
- Promotes a work/life balance- practicing self-care requires you to take a step back and remove yourself from your work. This allows you to reduce your stress which can make you tired and less productive. It also opens your eyes to your life outside of work- and it’s a big wide world!
- Promotes Self-Awareness and Self-Worth- You can grow a healthy relationship with yourself which will boost confidence and self-esteem. You need to be your own best friend. You need to learn to trust yourself and listen to the small voice in your heart.
- Allows you to Start Living and Stop Existing- you only get one chance in life so you must make it the very best! Life is precious. Doing small things everyday to increase your happiness is truly living. Anyone can exist, but only you can decide to live!
Easy Ways to Add Self-Care into Your Day
There are five categories of self-care that you can tap into and add to your day. Start by choosing at least one activity from one category everyday. Then gradually add in more activities in multiple categories.
Sensory
Sensory is about calming the mind. Try to incorporate all of the five senses.
- Watch a flame on a candle or fireplace
- Feel the hot water during a shower or bath
- Listen to your breathing
- Enjoy the smell of fresh-cut grass
- Experience the taste of a great piece of chocolate
Emotional
It’s important to acknowledge and feel your emotions. Surpressing your emotions is not healthy or productive. Try these ideas as an outlet.
- Daily journel
- Cry (Here’s why its ok and even important to cry)
- Talk with someone, either a trusted friend, relative or a professional
- Sing along or dance to a song that reflects your mood
Spiritual
This applies to both religious and agnostic or atheist people. It’s important to reconnect to a higher power and your own personal values.
- Attend a religious service or study
- Daily prayer or meditation
- Walk in nature
Physical
Being physically active benefits both your health and well-being.
- Dance
- Learn a new sport or activity
- Walk a dog, either yours or someone else’s
- Take yourself for a relaxing stroll
Social
Every person requires a connection with another person. We are hard-wired that way. It’s important to know that we are not alone.
- Have lunch or dinner with a friend
- Write an email or letter to someone you miss
- Join a group of like-minded people, like a club or class
- Take a class to meet new people and learn something new
The secret to increasing self-care is to do something every day. It may be small or it can be grand. It’s totally up to you.
I recommend doing something grand every-once-in-awhile. Get a massage. Go on a trip. Have a full day to read a book from cover to cover. Go to an art gallery or museum. Plan something that you always want to do but never allow yourself to do.
Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary. Your happiness and wellbeing is just as important as the people you care for.
Even if your schedule is jam-packed, take 5 minutes for yourself. Instead of scrolling on social media, unplug and do something for you. You always have time- it’s just a matter of prioritizing what’s important. What more important, Instagram or your wellbeing? Candy Crush or your health? Staying up late with Netflix or waking refreshed?
What steps will you take this week to promote your self-care? What is your favorite self-care activity? Share by commenting below. We can all use some ideas and inspiration.
Without a question, it’s an eclectic way to add a visual
punch to your lounge.