Self-care is more than just taking a bubble bath. We live in extra-stressful times, and self-care can help you feel more grounded and able to cope. But self-care is about more than taking a bubble bath and lighting some candles.
It involves a combination of habits that may include reducing stress, exercising, getting enough sleep and rest, eating healthy and more. These habits are individualized and will change over time, so it is important to reassess them often.
1. Take Time for Self-Reflection
Self-reflection can help you improve your life by better understanding yourself. Whether you take a journaling approach or engage in meditation, the act of reflecting can help you gain insight into your feelings and motives so that your words and actions are more aligned with your values. This can lead to a deeper sense of well-being and help reduce cognitive dissonance.
Prioritizing your self-care can be challenging in a society that glorifies busyness. However, it’s important to remember that looking after yourself is not selfish, and it can make it easier for you to support those around you.
2. Exercise
Exercise is a critical component of self-care because it can help a person feel physically well and also improve their mental health. People need to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, and this may look different for everyone. For example, if someone has asthma, they may need to work with a respiratory therapist to create an exercise plan that works with their condition and lifestyle.
Self-care can also help prevent burnout, which is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can be caused by prolonged stress. Regular self-care can help a person replenish their energy and maintain healthy relationships, which can be challenging when coping with chronic illness. The good news is that self-care can also have a “cascade effect,” meaning that taking care of one aspect of health, such as mental health, can lead to positive outcomes in other areas, such as physical and emotional wellness.
3. Eat Well
When people think of self-care, they may picture soaking in an Epsom salt bath, going to a yoga class, or enjoying a warm cup of chamomile tea. But the ways that people care for themselves also include eating well.
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats helps to nourish both body and mind. Nutrient-rich foods help boost the immune system, promote digestion and reduce inflammation, which is important for overall health.
4. Sleep Well
Sleep is a critical part of health and well-being. During sleep the brain processes and stores new information, the body releases hormones to help with healing and recovery, and our stress levels decrease.
Many people struggle to get enough quality sleep. Fortunately, there are ways to improve sleep habits through self-care. Incorporate a relaxing bedtime routine that includes practice of a relaxation technique, reading or listening to soft music, or a warm bath. Avoid caffeine 8 hours before bed to ensure the best sleep.
5. Talk to Someone
For some people, a self-care routine can feel like a luxury or an unrealistic goal, particularly when they have other obligations and challenges in their lives. If this is the case for you, it can be helpful to talk to someone about what you’re experiencing.
This could be your primary care provider, a mental health professional (like a therapist or counselor), or even a friend or family member. A trained therapist can help you identify any barriers you may face when trying to practice self-care and offer guidance on how best to address them.
In conclusion, self-care is not just about indulging in relaxing activities, but about taking a holistic approach to maintaining overall well-being. Self-care is not selfish, but rather a necessary step in supporting one’s own physical, emotional, and mental health. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can break the cycle of burnout and cultivate a sense of joy, fulfillment, and well-being.
Featured Image Source: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1532926381893-7542290edf1d?q=80&w=1470&auto=format&fit=crop&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&ixid=M3wxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8fA%3D%3D
