self care is important

What is self-care?

Self-care is a vital term which surrounds on the assertive “be/do good to yourself“. In simple words self-care revolves around the idea of being kind to oneself and as one would be to others. It is a slice of acknowledging when one’s resources run low, stepping back to replenish them than letting it channel away.

It also necessitates interrogating self-compassion into one’s life as a way that it helps one to prevent the possibility of a burnout. 

It is crucial to note that everything that feels good to one is not self. One could get moulded into unhealthy coping mechanisms, for example, alcohol, overeating of comfort foods, drugs and anything which could lead to self-destruction. Self-destruction could embed challenging emotions with temporary relief.

The variability between unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-care activities which are hindmost unquestionable for one. When practised correctly, self-care has a long term benefit for the mind and the body

What are the benefits of self-care?

• One is more productive. When one understands how it is not important to please everyone and saying  “no” to things that over-extend one and begin making time for things that matter more, individually, one slows the forced pace down in a wonderful way. This brings one’s goals into sharper focus and helps one concentrate better.

• One is resistant to diseases. There are shreds of evidence where more efficient self-care activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Explaining that the body goes into a restful, rejuvenating mode, helping it to fortify its immune system.

• Ones physical health improves. Similarly to the previous point, with better self-care often comes fewer colds, cases of flu and upset stomachs. Lesser stress and an efficient immune system help feel more physically able and strong inside and out.

• Improved self-esteem. When one often gives out time to oneself about being good to oneself and meeting own needs, one delivers a positive message to the subconscious. Crucially one gives upmost importance and intrinsic value. This can help cut way toward discouraging negative self-talk and the critical inner voice.

Enhance self-knowledge. Practising self-care requires and acknowledging of what ones really enjoy doing. The exercise of figuring out what makes one feel passionate and inspired can help understand oneself a lot better.

Types Of Self Care

One of the common excuses people make for ignoring articles/ write-ups about self-care is that they don’t have the time. The helpful news is that there are many different self-care practices, and none of them is difficult or requires a lot of planning. The trick is to find some that genuinely interest one and those which fit with the important life values.

1. Sensory

Sensory self-care is all about helping to calm the mind.

When one is able to tune into the details of the sensations it becomes easier to live in the present moment. And when you feel the presence one could more effectively let go of resentments related to the past or anxieties about the future.

When one plans on practising sensory self-care, one must consider acknowledging all of the senses: touch, smell, sound, and sight.

The following examples of sensory self-care involve at least one sense, try practising to see what fits your liking.

Sensory Self-Care Ideas

• Cuddling up under a soft blanket.

• Going to the countryside and focusing on the smell of the air.

• Watching the flames of a candle or a fire.

• Feeling the water on your skin during a hot bath or shower.

• Focusing on the movements of your own breathing.

2. Emotional

When it comes to emotional health, one of the best self-care tips is to make sure one is fully engaged with emotions. When one faces them, these help with stress.

one might feel tempted to push down feelings like sadness or anger, but remember it’s healthy to feel them, accept them, and move on.

Remembering that emotions are not “good” or “bad” in themselves. One is not blameworthy for the emotions felt but can only express the response through behaviour.

A few Emotional Self-Care Ideas

• Keep a daily journal, and be totally honest about your feelings.

• See a therapist, even if it’s just for 8-10 sessions of general personal development.

• Write a list of “feeling words” to expand your emotional vocabulary.

• Make time to be with a friend or family member who truly understands you.

• Let yourself cry when you need to.

3.. Physical

The importance of self-care definitely extends to purely physical aspects of health. Physical activities is vital for bodily well-being but also for reducing bodily stress

One might question the self-compassionate about going to the gym, but cutting off the ties that tie one from achieving them must be cut off

Physical Self-Care Ideas

• Dance to your favourite songs

• Do yoga. Even if you’ve never tried it, there are poses that are perfect for beginners.

• Join a class and learn a new sport.

Most importantly..

Know when you need to ask for help. When caring for someone with suicidal/ disturbing/ distracting thoughts, there are chances of feeling/ becoming overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed does not make you a bad caregiver, family member, or friend, it makes you human. There are various resources for caregivers such as A WILL TO LIVE, here we support and listen.