Self Care
‘I am so busy’, seems to be almost everyone’s tagline these days. Me included.
I feel fulfilled on so many levels but yet I always feel there’s something missing in my life very often. And this ‘thing’ is, SELF-CARE. Yes it is written in bold and it sure must be. One thing we tend to downplay a lot, especially when it comes to women, it’s personal care, self-care or downtime as some might call it.
We think as humans we are having downtime or relaxing by scrolling endlessly on our phones. Unfortunately with the AI algorithms, we are being fed more of the things we like and before we know it, we have already spent 2 long hours on social media, online shopping or even binge watching series on the numerous streaming channels available for our consumption. Even though we think that it has helped us relax, it has instead kept us occupied mentally, visually and emotionally.
These outlets have become an escapism medium to avoid our responsibilities, pain, stress or trauma. But at the end of it, there’s still that lingering feeling of stress, overthinking, emptiness or anything we might be going through, still there. That’s why self-care is so important.
What is self-care?
Self-care is anything that you do to keep yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy according to dr Matt Glowiak from Southern New Hampshire University. Also according to him, if you don’t practice self-care regularly, you are risking your well-being and inviting burnout. So, we can clearly say that self-care is not a luxury in today’s fast-paced world, but rather a necessity.
Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more. From a physical health perspective, it has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in tune with our higher power as well as realize our meaning in life.
Examples of self-care:
- Physical: Do any exercise regularly. It can be as simple as just going for a walk. Doing our regular check-ups or seeing a healthcare professional when we are unwell. Eating healthy and going to bed early. Avoiding any drug and alcohol. Taking a relaxing and soothing bath to ease muscle aches has many other benefits that come with it.
- Emotionally: Regular journalling, gratitude journal, talking to someone you trust, do something artistic or listen to music. A nap can reset you.
- Mentally: Read self-help books, watching documentaries that are helpful and taking up studies of your interest. Be curious about the world and keep learning.
- Socially: Meet up with family, your circle of friends or take up activities that interest you and make new friends with common interests. You can also get involved in a charitable group and socialise with like-minded people.
- Spiritually: Pray, meditate, or take up yoga. Reflect on your higher purpose. Help others whenever you can. It can be a grocery shopping for a family, friend or neighbour in need. It can be as simple as a smile to someone who looks sad or holding the door for someone. It can be taking up a workshop in art therapy or a course in meditation to rediscover yourself on a holistic level.
Overall, self-care has so many benefits to not disregard it. It will foster a sense of fulfillment that will in turn energize you and help you be more productive in all aspects of your life
Social media post‘I am so busy’, seems to be almost everyone’s tagline these days. Me included.
I feel fulfilled on so many levels but yet I always feel there’s something missing in my life very often. And this ‘thing’ is, SELF-CARE. Yes it is written in bold and it sure must be. One thing we tend to downplay a lot, especially when it comes to women, it’s, self-care or downtime as some might call it.
What is self-care?
Self-care is anything that you do to keep yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually healthy. Self-care is not a luxury in today’s fast-paced world, but rather a necessity.
Examples of self-care:
- Physical: Do any exercise regularly. It can be as simple as just going for a walk. Eating healthy and going to bed early. Avoiding any drug and alcohol.
- Emotionally: Regular journalling, gratitude journal, talking to someone you trust, do something artistic or listen to music. A nap can reset you.
- Mentally: Read self-help books, watching documentaries that are helpful and taking up studies of your interest.
- Socially: Meet up with family, your circle of friends or take up activities that interest you and make new friends with common interests.
- Spiritually: Pray, meditate, or take up yoga. Reflect on your higher purpose. Help others whenever you can. It can be a grocery shopping for a family, friend or neighbour in need. It can be as simple as a smile to someone who looks sad or holding the door for someone. It can be taking up a workshop in art therapy or a course in meditation to rediscover yourself on a holistic level.
