How to practice self-care
Self-care is practically doing things that enhance your physical and mental health. Stress from all corners of life can make it hard to remember you need to take care of yourself. What you don’t know is self-care can be the surest way to manage stress.
Practicing self-care does not imply you are a selfish person, rather, it makes you look smart. It is important to practice self-care because it boosts your physical, emotional, and mental health.
Self-care is not limited to anyone – teenagers, parents, men, women, employers, employees, and business owners need self-care. Well, as long as you are human and not a robot, you deserve the liberty to practice self-care by simply taking time to do what makes you happy, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Taking care of yourself is not a difficult task, believe it or not, you’ll be thankful for the benefits afterward.
When we go through tough and traumatizing times, we need to find ways to restore our sanity. Failure to rest and block all the noise will further contribute to stress and exhaustion, you don’t want that. For anyone seeking a wonderful life and longevity, one vital routine is to practice self-care.
It is really important to make the world revolve around you sometimes and be nice to yourself. Practicing self-care is a must for your body, mind, and soul. Most people practice self-care when they are ill and need medical attention, it’s wrong.
A lot of people suck at self-care because of their busy schedules and come up with flimsy excuses. They are people who feel guilty for having a me-time. They feel time is precious and something else needs to be done at that moment.
Such people will work extra hours, refuse to spend time with others and turndown every opportunity to practice self-care.
You can practice self-care by watching a movie and sipping a glass of wine, by laughing or going for a spa treatment alone or with friends.
For others, it’s walking, taking a stroll around the neighborhood, working out with friends, preparing a nice meal with family, or reading a journal.
Some even practice spiritual self-care by meditating, reading a sacred text, saying affirmations, spending time appreciating nature, attending a religious service or healing circle, etc.
Practicing spiritual self-care is definitely not a bad idea as it connects you with your true self and soothes your soul. There are many examples of self-care, whatever works for you, try to fit it into your daily routine.
To survive stress and exhaustion, you need to find the time to stay rejuvenated and recharged at all times. Practicing self-care makes you resilient to stress.
Always listen to your body, if it needs to rest, then rest.
Benefits of practicing self-care
- Increased Productivity
Sometimes, self-care can mean saying “no” to unplanned tasks. When you do this, you focus on what you are doing and achieve your goals faster.
Your life can become easier when you politely turn down unplanned tasks that further stress you and hinder your self-care goals.
- You are Able to Help Others
Self-care enhances your capacity to give others your best. You cannot help the people around you especially those dear to your heart and show them kindness when you do not do the same for yourself.
- Better Health and Longevity
Self-care reduces the risk of some sicknesses such as heart failure, boosts your immune system and lets you live longer.
Eating healthy foods, practicing yoga, exercising, writing a journal, prioritizing sleep, even down to dancing, can go a long way in boosting your health.
- Boosts your Self-esteem
Practicing self-care makes you treat yourself with compassion, makes you confident, and able to scale through setbacks and appreciate your value.
It enables you to block every form of negative self-talk, criticism and discouragements because you are aware of your importance and deserve the very best.
- Practicing self-care can build and strengthen relationships.
How to practice self-care
- Try Something New
A busy schedule may stop you from learning something you have thought of. It could be a skill, hobby, or something fun.
You can practice self-care by allowing yourself try the new things long written on your to-do list. Go for it and give yourself a chance. How would you feel ticking it off your list?
- Take a Walk
Walking at a mindful pace can help you unwind and connect with nature. Going for a walk can boost your energy and enhance your mood by reducing depression and anxiety.
A brisk walk has also been known to boost self-esteem, help you think creatively and extend your life span. Taking a walk is not a bad idea and can easily be incorporated into your schedule. Try walking instead of driving.
- Avoid Comparism
Stop comparing yourself with others. Accept you are unique, and amazing in your own way. When we don’t accept our flaws and strengths, we undervalue ourselves.
Learn to love yourself as you are, it will help you feel more alive, boost your confidence, and protect your mental health.
Instead, healthily compare yourself with people around you, in such a way that you learn, improve, and become a better version of yourself.
- Create a Me Time
A me time is when you give all the time and attention to yourself: for just yourself. Creating a me-time lets you take care of yourself, enjoy, pamper and reward yourself.
During this period, do things you love the most. For instance, go shopping, go to a concert, read a book. Whatever it is, distance yourself from others for some time, reduce stress and workload and do activities to feel rejuvenated and contented.
Know that having a me-time does not mean you are selfish. It is necessary to have one so you can also recharge and support the people in your life. It is not easy to fix this into your routine, but you have to find a way.
- Learn to Say “No
Most people find it very hard to do this. This may be out of guilt or the need to respect others’ feelings. Saying no to requests or expectations that will further stress you will allow others respect you and allow you to respect yourself.
It also enables you to establish healthy boundaries, become more productive, and prioritize your needs. While doing this, be confident, clear, concise, and polite.
- Stress Less
Excessive stress is bad for health and there are thousands of things to stress you out. Be careful of what form of stress you succumb to.
- Laugh
Laughing when you can is a simple way to practice self-care. Besides, “laughter is the best medicine”. It boosts your immune system, elevates your mood and makes you resilient to stress.
Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, watch a comedy and do things that make you laugh. A laugh is powerful, it connects you with others and improves your physical and emotional health while influencing your environment.
- Prioritize sleep
Sleeping is a great way to relax after a hard day. There are lots of things that can ruin your chances of getting a sound sleep. Sleep deprivation can cause low productivity and increase the risk of diseases.
Find time to sleep, even if it’s a short nap. It will calm your nerves and recharge you.
- Exercise
Exercising increases the production of hormones like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones elevate your mood and make you feel happy.
You don’t have to spend hours in the gym or think of how to fit it into your schedule. You can work out for 30 minutes, do yoga, go for a jog or take a brisk walk.
- Eat healthy foods
Eating foods rich in nutrients is a way of taking care of yourself. The foods we eat have a lot of positive or negative effects on our health.
To stay healthy and recharged, it is necessary to eat good foods that can boost the overall functionality of your body. For instance, consuming protein-rich foods, fruits and veggies.
- Get a Massage
Because you deserve it. A good massage helps you relax, reduces stress and anxiety and boosts the immune system. Choosing to go for massage therapy is a way to pamper and show yourself some love.