What is self-care and why is it so important? Why do many of us find it so difficult to set aside time for self-care habits in our own lives? Self-care looks different for everyone, and finding what you need and enjoy is essential. The practice of self-care is necessary for your mental health; it can help manage stress, lower the risk of illness, and help increase your energy. Self-care involves setting aside a little time each day for activities that best replenish and nourish our energies; quality time with family or friends, time alone for self-reflection, going to the gym or doing yoga, or taking a bubble bath with a good book. Your daily life can be significantly impacted incorporating small acts of self-care. These activities do not need to take much time away from our daily lives; it could be as simple as a 5-minute meditation, listening to your favorite song (maybe even dancing to it!), writing in a journal, or any other enjoyable activity that works for you. Self-care is about discovering what we need - our unique energy draining and energy-boosting strategies (Schaffner, 2022).
You can start by brainstorming what activites make you feel centered and how you can incorporate these items into your daily life (Lawler, 2022). Your options are endless, but the activities you choose for your self-care routine should strike a balance between those that bring you immediate enjoyment and those that create happiness once completed. As the saying goes, 'from an empty cup, we cannot pour' we may find ourselves burning out, unable to decompress or find outlets for our stressors. Learn what you need to fill back up your cup in life! Self-care is important for your mind, body, and soul.
Lawler, M (2022, August 26). How to start a self-care routing you'll follow. everydayhealth.com Retrieved from https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/start-a-self-care-routine/#tips-for-coping-in-uncertain-times
Schaffner, A.K (2022, November 26). How to practice self-care: 10 worksheets adn 12 ideas. PositivePsychology.com Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/self-care-worksheets/