The importance of self care is key to how we look after ourselves practically/physically, emotionally and even spiritually.
It is a term that is used more and more however, are we clear about what it means and how to make it part of everyday life? Here are some points to consider when thinking about self care and how important it is to our general well-being.
Some physical ways of undertaking self care include the amount of sleep and the quality of it, exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, taking part in hobbies or activities that you enjoy and being in nature. It is not just about doing things, it can also include giving yourself permission to rest when this is what is needed. This can be harder to do when caring for others, including children, as it is harder to prioritise your needs, may be due to a lack of time and feelings of guilt about taking time out for yourself or thinking your time could be better spent doing something. Listening to your body and taking action when necessary to care for your health is also a form of self care.
Other forms of self care include how you view yourself and talk about yourself. Talking in a negative or critical way can have a detrimental effect on our mental health, which is not conducive to caring for yourself. Prioritising your needs such as saying no to things you do not want to do without feeling guilty, speaking out when you disagree and listening to what feels right for you and having time with friends are all forms of self care. Taking time for yourself such as quiet time, relaxing and not being on the go, is not selfish, it is necessary and a way of charging your batteries. Having counselling can be another way of caring for your emotional wellbeing and investing in yourself. Talking to some one who is trained and is impartial who can offer a non judgemental space for exploration of yourself and what you want, can feel empowering.
Journaling is another way of understanding your feelings and emotions, focussing on yourself and finding some clarity by not just holding the information in your head. It is not a one size fits all approach and taking some time to find what works for you is all part of your self care journey.
When not taking time for self care some of the physical things that happen are a lack of energy and motivation, problems sleeping, changes in eating patterns. Some emotional things that happen are feeling impatient, less tolerant, less connected to others and even overwhelmed. Taking time out to relax or do things that nurture you consistently is not a luxury. It is about being in tune with yourself and prioritising your needs so that there is not a build up of unmet needs. Just carrying on and not checking in with yourself could mean feeling overwhelmed and eventually daily life turning into a chore. That said, it is not always easy to start installing new habits or prioritising your needs if this is something that is not familiar. Starting with small forms of self care that can be built into your daily life could be a realistic way to start. It may just be one thing per day for a few minutes. A few examples of this are having a break at work, going outside if the weather permits, taking time for even a short skin care routine, putting an outfit together, keeping hydrated, walking somewhere you enjoy being, taking time to make something nutritious to eat, watching something that makes you laugh, sitting and enjoying a hot/cold drink and tuning into your breathing for a few minutes.
The commitment to yourself is worth it and with consistency you will notice it becoming more second nature and making a difference to your wellbeing.