Self-care
If I asked you to name all the things you loved, how long would it take you to name yourself?
Many people do not prioritize themselves in their day-to-day activities. Families, job responsibilities, and to-do lists fill up our time quickly and the same cycle will repeat itself if we don’t change it. But self-care is an essential part of our survival (and even sanity!).
Self-care refers to activities and practices we can engage in on a regular basis that are positive for our own health and well-being.
These healthy behaviors reduce stress and maintain and enhance our short- and long-term health and well-being. Self-care does this by supporting emotional and spiritual needs, nurture relationships, and creating peace and grounding within all aspects of life and well-being. Self-care activities help identify and manage challenges that every person faces, such as stress, burnout, and other emotional and personal feelings.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see how taking time out to practice self-care supports your professional and personal commitments. Give it a try and see how self-care can help you achieve more balance in your life.
Self-care activities to try
Maintain a healthy diet
When life gets stressful, our diets tend to take a backseat, but this can make us more stressed. Allotting some time to cook wholesome meals can not only be relaxing, but provide us additional nutrients and energy to take on the rest of the day. Too busy to cook? Try opting for salads even on the go to make healthy eating part of your routine.
Exercise regularly
When we exercise, our body releases endorphins, also known as our “happy hormones.” These hormones help give us a positive mindset, motivation, extra boost of confidence, and a ton of energy! The feeling of accomplishment, paired with the endless benefits of exercise, are a great way to take care of yourself both physically and mentally!
Seek out social support
Friends and family who guide and nourish our dreams, thoughts, and ideas are the ones who act as the “glue” when life throws you curveballs. Ensuring you have a shoulder to lean on when times get tough — and a little bit of laughter and fun — can help put your mind at ease. Never underestimate the importance of loved ones.
Give yourself a timeout
Sometimes all we need to feel grounded and at peace is a little R&R. Spending quiet time reading a book, using an adult coloring book, or even treating yourself to a massage can help reset your mind.
Change your view
No matter how tough life gets, there is beauty in every storm. “Easier said than done,” right? Maybe. Or maybe we just forget that life is all about perspective. No matter how cliché, you can choose to see the glass as half empty, or half full. Choose to see your daily life as half full, and embrace the changes and obstacles with open arms. Find the positive in every situation and spread this positivity to others, too. Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself with this attitude. Rather than focusing on the negative, practice positive self-talk by pointing out your accomplishments, successes, and the amazing qualities you offer as a person.
Resources:
https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/resources/self-care-starter-kit/introduction-to-self-care.html#title_6
