In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to become so focused on our responsibilities and obligations that we forget to take care of ourselves. Self-care is not only important for physical health, but also for mental health and well-being. Taking time for self-care can help prevent burnout, reduce stress, and increase resilience. In this article, we will explore the importance of self-care for Overall well-being.
What is self care?
Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness. It is a broad concept encompassing hygiene (general and personal), nutrition (type and quality of food eaten), lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure etc.), environmental factors (living conditions, social habits, etc.) socio-economic factors (income level, cultural beliefs, etc.) and self-medication’.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Trusted Source defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”
Why is Self-care Important For Your Well-Being?
It is important because it enhances our well-being by keeping us connected to ourselves and what matters most to us,”
Self-care help prevent illnesses from occurring or recurring, and it builds our capacity to handle stress and recover from adversity
By incorporating self-care activities into your regular routine, like going for a walk or socializing with friends, you give your body and mind time to rest, reset, and rejuvenate, so you can avoid or reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Unfortunately, self-care is sometimes seen as a luxury instead of a need; but I’m here to remind you that self-care is something that everyone needs daily, not just those who may feel stressed.
Below Are some Steps You Can Take To Prioritize Self-Care:
• Eat healthy and nourish your body. Eating healthy – fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins fats – gives your body the energy it needs to make it throughout the day. Watch your portion sizes and avoid too much snacking, always drink water.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical exercise per day. Walking daily helps improve one’s mood and health. Small amounts of movement add up.
• Schedule time each day for relaxing and stress reducing activities such as meditation, breathing exercises, listening to music, journaling, or trying out new hobbies that one can enjoy by themselves or with others.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Avoid looking at phones or computers before bedtime since blue light from screens makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
• Build strong relationships with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities that provide an opportunity to meet new people such as classes and support groups. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
• Seek help from a health care provider to get connected with counselors and other resources if you are experiencing distressing symptoms or your efforts at self-care are not helping.
“Self care looks different for everyone”
A good starting point is to take time to reflect on activities you enjoy doing that make you feel good and give you a sense of meaning. From there, start setting some small goals that could easily become a part of your daily routine.
Self-care activities should leave one feeling relaxed, energized and refreshed. If certain activities cause one to feel more depleted, it is time to try a different approach. By establishing good daily habits for self-care, everyone can learn the signs that indicate they may need more attention to self-care when stressors start to pile up.