What is Self-Care and Why is it Important?
Self-care has had a bad wrap in our society, but it seems to be making a comeback amongst a few. To most people self-care is a way to put ourselves first and that can come off as being selfish, so there is often a negative connotation to doing it. To others, self-care simply means hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle, in the act of actually taking care of yourself. Self-care can mean many different things, but what’s the most important is what it means to you, and to give yourself the time to do it.
Types of Self-Care
Physical Activity
Some people take time for themselves by actually taking care of themselves physically. This means they either have a gym membership, or they take weekly classes that involve a workout. This could be a hobby as well, and in today’s world, we see lots of people into karate, CrossFit and yoga, even pole dancing! There are so many different avenues to take in this world of self-care, and you are likely to start feeling better about yourself after doing it on a regular basis.
Social Activity
Socializing is important to a person’s wellbeing because it fights with isolation and loneliness, the two biggest factors of depression. Making an effort on a weekly basis, or even monthly basis, can help you to get out of a funk, and change up the routine. This could mean a night out with friends, meeting new people, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Recharge Time
Time to recharge and rest is probably everyone’s first thought of self-care. This could mean laying in bed with a cup of tea, reading a book you’ve been putting off, or it could mean a bubble bath once a week with a candle lit. There’s really no wrong way to do this type of self-care, it’s really whatever activity that helps you slow down and enjoy the moment of relaxation.
Spiritual Time
The spiritual self-care is most likely the least used type of self-care, but one of the most important. This type of self-care doesn’t have to mean religious, although people who practice this type are more likely to attend a church. This could simply mean using meditation, mindfulness, prayer, and possibly lending free time to the less fortunate by volunteering. It is energy that is put forth to develop your spiritual awareness and create a positive glow for the world.
Why Self-Care is Important for Everyone
Improves Productivity
Self-care has been shown to have an effect on people by showing they get more done in their day when they feel rested and recharged. It lowers stress levels, and illness risks making it an effective way to keep you healthy and keeping your mind clear.
Renews Energy
Self-care can feel like it revitalizes you and gets you out of your head and your normal everyday routine of taking care of everything and everyone else before you. Sometimes, in order to fill everyone else’s cup, you have to fill your cup first.
Boosts Happiness
Because you are taking the time and the space, and setting up a clear boundary that you need a designated amount of time to yourself, you’ll find that you are happier with your life. Everyone needs some time in their week or month that they are able to take a deep breath and clear their noisy minds. It makes everyone much happier.
