Why Self-Care Is Important- 7 Easy Tips To Take Better Care Of …
Nancy Amon
Only a few people realize the importance of self-care. Self-care is often assumed to be selfish. However, the concept matters and, more so, in our current lives. Looking after yourself could positively impact your health and well-being. I will jump into some care tips, but first, I want to expand on the information more.
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What is all the fuss about self-care?
Self-care plays a vital role in humans, even when unaware that it flows into wellness on all levels.
The importance of self-care may sound like a fad to some folks, but the reality is that it isn’t. Fads are here today and gone tomorrow, as is with most trends. But when it comes to taking care of yourself, it is a commitment and an ongoing aspect of your lifestyle.
What are some of the benefits of self-care?
It may help to reduce anxiety
It could improve your self-esteem
It could contribute to better mental wellness
Self-care could help improve health
It may create better relationships with others
Self-care could include:
Asking for help
Unsplash | Toa Heftiba
You do everything you can to make things work, but sometimes you need help. Reaching out and asking for help is one way to lighten the load for yourself.
Take a step back
Sometimes, you just have to see things from an outside point of view. Once you’re clear, making decisions comes easier.
Forgive yourself
There are so many times that assigning fault to yourself seems the logical thing to do, even when it wasn’t your fault. Sometimes, life can change people; they tend to see this as the right thing or blame themselves for things that go wrong. Stop doing this.
You are not to blame. Learn to accept and forgive yourself. From forgiveness comes healing.
Just saying no
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If you find it hard to say no, now is the time to start training yourself. Sometimes, people take advantage, and if you don’t draw a line and say no, you’ll feel bad moments later.
If you’re a people pleaser and only put others’ needs and wants first, then you might find that you always say “yes” even when you mean to say no.
Learning to say “no” will avoid being taken advantage of. It will also help draw boundaries which others will respect.
Have alone time
Spending time alone is a big deal to some folks, and they may not feel that they can be apart from their significant other or their kids. If you take time off for yourself, this is already a massive leap in self-care.
You can go for a walk on the beach or enjoy the freedom of not being a people pleaser. Either way, you choose, time alone can enable you to reflect, clear your mind, and reboot your emotions.
What’s the difference between self-care and self-indulgence?
Self-care is a long-term solution to becoming a healthier and better you. It may involve the points mentioned above to achieve this change.
Self-indulgence is often misunderstood as self-care, but it is not the same. Self-indulgence is temporary, more like a “quick fix” or fast solution.
Self-indulgence is associated with some of the following:
Greediness
Only concerned for one’s own needs
Making everything about one’s self
Being lazy
Self-indulgence
Tips for implementing self-care into your lifestyle
Self-care might not be easy for everyone, especially when you’re used to giving everything to work, family, children, spouse, volunteer, etc. If you’re reading this and can relate to these scenarios, these tips might help you.
#1 Don’t compare yourself to others
Unsplash | Timon Studler
There can only be one of you; what you have and who you are is complete and unique. Just because someone got a job promotion or could go away on holiday doesn’t mean you’re not good enough to achieve or experience those things. It just takes time and happens in the right season.
A valid point is that everyone has a different life and destiny. While we might meet people through the journey, we may be destined to achieve different goals than the next. The road may seem easy for some, while others may deal with a bumpier path. Either way, the road is for you; it is unique and ultimately tailored to your destination.
The same is true that not everyone can be a rocket scientist or an Olympic swimmer. Still, the creative artist may not be as good with kids as the au pair, and the professor may not be an all-star musician. Enjoy your unique journey, and don’t compare it with another.
#2 Take a fraction of time to exercise too
When we think about exercise, we always assume it’s this hardcore muscle-pumping, weight-lifting, sweat-flowing ordeal that is undoubtedly off-putting for many. Some of us hate having to go to a gym or carve out time, especially to commit to a 1-hour workout session.
Leading a busy lifestyle may not leave any time for exercise for an hour, but thankfully, this isn’t necessary. Exercise is good; even if you can only spare 10 minutes of your day to run on the treadmill or use a stationary bike, it’s more than enough. If you don’t have gym equipment, don’t worry; you can do some stretches or aerobics that incorporate your body weight.
There are many easy yoga/stretches to try in the comfort of your home.
#3 Take one minute just for yourself
Unsplash | Moritz Kindler
There are lots you can do in one minute. What many people find to help calm down and feel a sense of relaxation is breathing. We tend to breathe shallow chest breaths, which stimulates more stress hormones as this feature is actually made for stressful “fight-or-flight” situations.
However, breathing diaphragmatic breaths will help lower feelings of anxiety, stress or feeling frantic, for that matter. Breathing exercise is a vital and natural tool to help your body cope with stress. Sometimes it may look like there isn’t one minute to spare in the clock, but trust me, even 1-minute of diaphragmatic breathing can make a huge difference.
#4 Speak positive affirmations
Affirmations may seem like “mumbo-jumbo,” but there is power in the spoken word. Words can affect us in many ways, albeit positively or negatively. Embracing positive affirmations will help you to rise above unfavourable circumstances. It isn’t always easy when things are difficult, but it is possible.
Some positive affirmations may include:
I am worthy of love
I can do it
I am good enough
I deserve to be loved, too
I am beautiful just as I am
I am happy driving my new car
I am confident
I am grateful and happy for my new home
I am happy about my new job or promotion
I love who I am
I can achieve my goals
Those are just examples; many people tailor their affirmations to what they’re going through or want to achieve. Sometimes, positive affirmations are closely associated with “mantras.”
#5 Do something you like (hobbies)
Unsplash | Elana Mozhvilo
Yes, another way to care for yourself is by doing something you like. You can use the opportunity to work on your hobbies. You may like kayaking, cycling, hiking, taking photos, drawing, listening to music, or reading. Either way, enjoy your hobbies.
Sure, some hobbies are expensive; still, you could work towards them. For example, if you love art but need supplies, maybe working towards buying supplies will help keep you amped in getting your paintings going. You may enjoy building computers, and parts are costly; take the time to build up your ultimate PC and enjoy the process.
Even if you don’t have all your hobby requirements, work towards it at your comfortable pace with small contributions. Every bit helps.
# 6 Adapt to a balanced diet and stay hydrated
Eating healthily and staying hydrated is critical for wellness. As part of self-care, taking stock of the types of foods you eat is essential. Food is our nourishment, and healthy foods will help the body with some of its many functions.
Drinking water is also essential, and staying hydrated doesn’t limit you to clear water only. Yes, water is good, but you can also enjoy herbal teas.
#7 Take it one day at a time
Sometimes, it’s hard to process life and all it has to offer. The ups and the downs, the easy and the difficult, everything makes it unique. Taking one day at a time is best when working on self-care and juggling life. Worrying about things all of the time builds stress and won’t do any good.
Try, at the very least, to cross each bridge when you get there instead of stressing weeks, months, and years before the time. Things can change during that time and could change for the better.
Unsplash | Auston Schmit
Conclusion to why self-care is important
Taking care of yourself is about positive lifestyle changes that will benefit you and those around you. It is a commitment and an investment towards a better self.
While self-care may not come easy for some, it is something to consider. The practice is important, especially when facing challenges, as those are when self-neglect is easier.
Don’t forget to cut yourself some slack since nobody is perfect.
Safe travels, peace and love!
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Posted Nov 22, 2024
Self-care is vital for everyone, but often, not taken as seriously. Continue reading for easy self-care tips.
