* I have mentioned the phrase self-care regularly in the groups, as I feel it is important for our global health and wellbeing.
* The term self-care is used a lot in todays world, but what is meant by self-care and what are the benefits of practicing self-care.
What is Self-care?
The phrase self-care is now common language, but its not a new concept, it is not complex or in depth, self-care is literally what it says caring for yourself.
Self-care is where we deliberately and consciously chose to take an action that looks after our own wellbeing and health. Self-care covers caring for our-selves mentally and physically improving how we feel in our body and mind.
Examples of Self-care.
Self-care is unique to each one of us, as we are all different and it's about looking after ourselves both physically and mentally fulfilling our different needs.
Anything that you do for your-self that makes you feel better or cared for is considered as self-care.
It could be:
- getting your haircut
- enjoying a bath
- reading a book
- going to the gym
- spending time with friends
- practicing meditation
The list is endless and personal to each of our needs.
Self-care in the medical field is referred to individuals taking charge of their own health, this could be making healthy choices or taking active part in managing long term conditions.
Self-care doesn't have to cost.
Here are some ideas that don't cost a lot.
- A good nights sleep
- Drinking lots of water
- Go for a walk
- Take a relaxing bath
- Say NO when you don't want to do something
- Listening to your favourite music
- Watching your favourite film
- Make something healthy yet delicious for dinner
- Make a list of five or more things you like about yourself
- Spend time with loved ones
Why is self-care important.
Self-care is an important part of living a healthy and happy lifestyle. Looking after yourself both mentally and physically is important in taking control of your health and wellbeing.
Our lives are becoming increasingly busy and we forget to put ourselves first, with the responsibilities of work and the others we care for. If we take time for ourselves and promote self-care we feel better, and when we feel better our life feels better.
Self-care doesn't have to be time consuming, it's just about taking time for ourselves and by planning it into our day helps promote ourselves in to feeling positive and happy, self-care could be reading a chapter in our current book, taking the dog for a walk, taking a shower or a bath. It's about committing to putting yourself first just for a while or longer.
The benefits of self-care.
The benefits of self-care improve your whole wellbeing. Self-care promotes looking after your body so you become more in tune to it's needs, whether it's embracing a shower or applying a body lotion or cleaning your teeth, you notice changes in your physical health.
Self-care helps reduce anxiety and stress, by making time for relaxing activities like meditation, watching your favourite film, listening to music or reading a book, they help you feel more relaxed reducing your stress and anxiety symptoms and lift your mood.
Self-care can boost your self esteem and keep you calm by practicing body scans in meditation or relaxing to music can calm your nerves, taking time to relax looking after yourself can have positive impact on the way you see and treat yourself with in a kind way.
Self-care promotes mental health and by practicing self-care can help manage your mental health issues and prevent them from deteriorating, however it isn't a replacement for professional help as sometimes we need help to tackle our problems and mental health is serious and you shouldn't feel alone.
However practicing self-care by taking time for yourself both mentally and physically is really important to improve our mental wellbeing.
Self-care can lead to better relationships by being happier and healthier we then are able to show that in our relationships by handling issues calmer and more positively.
Bottom line.
Self-care makes us kinder to ourselves making us happier and healthier promoting our whole health and wellbeing.
How are you going to practice self-care and when and how often...
Comments