Do you find that when you are busy in your everyday life, whether it's working, taking care of your family or your home, that your own self-care gets forgotten?
Self-care is simply that, it’s taking care of yourself, the practice of doing things that support your mental and physical health and make you feel better. There are so many different ways to practice self-care and what you decide to do depends on what you need for yourself at that time.
Getting a good night's sleep
Having a warm bath
Cooking a healthy meal
Drinking water
Enjoying a leisurely walk in nature
Going for a brisk walk
Enjoying a cup of tea
Listening to your favourite music
Reading a book
Watching your favourite TV program/movie
Journaling
Meditating
Yoga/stretching
Spending time with family/friends
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Many often don’t prioritise their self-care, thinking that they don’t have enough time for it or that it's being self-indulgent. However, do you know when you look after yourself better, you feel better within and this positive feeling then spills over into other areas of your life including work, relationships, etc.
Self-care doesn't require you go for an expensive spa treatment, instead you can have a relaxing bath at home with your favourite scented candles and some music.
Self-care doesn't require much time; you can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and just sit and do nothing.
Lifts your mood when you feel more relaxed, reducing stress and anxiety.
It boosts your self-esteem as you are treating yourself with love and kindness; you begin to see yourself in a more positive light.
It improves your physical health as you are preparing and eating healthy meals and being active.
It improves focus and energy because you are more relaxed and well rested
You prioritise and say yes to yourself, by making time for yourself. You don't put your needs at the bottom of your list.
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And I know some people feel guilty when they look after themselves as they feel they should be looking after others or be working or doing the housework.
I understand that it could initially feel that when you’re saying yes to yourself, it may feel that you are saying no to others. However, this is not the case as remember you can't pour from an empty cup. So, you need to look after yourself first, and then be looking after others.
And it doesn't mean you need to go away or be on your own either. Your self-care could be to go for a walk with a friend, bake with your children or watch your favourite show with family.
As you can see, you can easily practice some self-care things daily.
Sujata Din is a Certified Health Coach and Certified Professional Cancer Coach. In this regular column for iGlobal, she offers some special insights, from useful wellness tips to recipes for creations that are not only delicious but also healthy.
