The Importance of Self Care
Self-care seems to be the ultimate buzz word of the year 2022. Could it be due to the drastically changing landscape we have continued to find ourselves in since the birth of the COVID19 pandemic way back in 2020? Have continual lockdowns, quarantines and isolations caused us to find that the only person we can connect with is ourself? Or could it be that our lives were already heading in a direction of ‘need’ and inevitably we were having to face the music to take more care of things at home anyway? Regardless of our interpretations of when and why the concept of ‘self-care’ began infiltrating itself into our go-to columns or articles, we have come to understand that it has become a sheer necessity. Let’s explore why?
What is self-care?
Self-care is often marketed with over-the-top lifestyle habits, only reserved for the rich and famous or those who have nothing better to do with their time. Due to its association with overindulgence it can be overlooked as a practical coping mechanism during stressful times. Its positive influence can in fact yield self-control in areas of our life which can help us to feel good from within and further project our internal glow with others.
Self-care has actually been regarded a foundational science, primarily associated with epidemiology and health. Health reporting has described self-care as a generic attribute of an individual with a natural place in social life. This means that that we have an innate desire for a standard of what is considered good, happy and healthy for both ourselves and others. It also is considered to have a spiritual component due to the invisible capabilities to improve behaviours of both the individual and collective group.
It is important to note that self-care is not traditionally a selfish concept. Dr. Stephanie Grunewald, PhD and Psychologist from Chicago (rcchicago.org/stephanie-grunewald-phd/) has clarified that selfishness is an act that can take from others to their own detriment. Selfishness is considered a trait which can show complete lack of consideration and disregard for others. Dr Grunewald however describes self-care as a means to replenish your own resources without depleting someone else’s.
The Black Dog Institute in Australia states that “self-care refers to activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis to maintain and enhance our health and wellbeing”. Therefore, self-care is an active process which we must engage in order to achieve it.
Create a self-care routine
This may depend on what our current routine is. Pandemic circumstances can impact what we were previously use to in terms of physical activity and day-to-day environment. Making a list of what is important to you personally is a good start. It might include:
Sleep Both our mind and body recharge itself during a sleep cycle, autonomically resetting itself to wane off disease. It is also linked with our weight, emotion and energy levels therefore it is the starting point to have a successful self-care plan. No wonder there are few things as refreshing as a good night’s sleep.
Nutrition Our dietary intake contributes to what our body breaks down as energy to assist in daily functioning. Stabilising blood sugar levels determines our physical and emotional state and contribute with mental focus and sleep and seen as paramount to take note of our nutritional needs to stay well.
Exercise Movement is how the body talks to the mind and can be as effective as any form of psychotherapy. Endorphins are pain relieving peptide hormones which are chemically released by the brain to boost mood and incite feelings of happiness. Exercise is an excellent remedy to alleviate feelings of anxiety or stress. Nature offers the greatest type of soothing environment however if you are indoors, the internet has a vast variety of easily accessible exercise videos to follow from the comfort of home.
Get creative Creativity is a unique aspect of human intelligence with research discovering a direct link between positive feelings and a creative task. It can enhance the brain’s ability to problem solve as well as find meaning and fulfillment. A creative approach can be incorporated into daily tasks from coordinating our fashion and hair styles (even if just for zoom), cooking, journaling, find a hobby or simply trying something new.
Socialising is not simply a pleasurable pastime to interact with others but has long term benefits that can deter mental breakdown and include living longer. Companionship offers support that can lower stress levels and anxiety and offers comfort and joy when engaging in activities together. Psychologist and educator Kelly McGongial (kellymcgonigal.com) emphasises that “caring for others triggers.. courage and hope”.
Work hard Many self-help books will try and sell you the secrets to successful living however the truth is that there is no secret. One of the healthiest handfuls of advice out there is the encouragement to exert yourself whole-souled and you will reap the true rewards of success which result in a greater sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Treat yourself This is where we save the best for last. Whilst all of our recommendations require a significant amount of mental and physical exertion, we cannot finish this post without encouraging you with a relaxing yet essential part of your self-care plan. Hard work always deserves a little bit of gusto. We look forward to including insightful ways to treat yourself in future blog posts so follow us on social media and keep well in the meantime.
