Self- Care, what is it really and why do we need it?
To make it easier to understand let’s break it down into 3 parts. Awareness of how each of these areas of life can affect our overall feelings of health and happiness is key.
Physical, Emotional and Social
Physical wellbeing:
It’s understood that there is a strong connection with the body and mind. If you are looking after your body with exercise, but not eating a balanced diet of healthy food, getting enough sleep, overworking, you will not feel well in your mind. Thus, if you are not getting physical exercise, eating a good diet. You won’t see positive changes in your energy levels, or have motivation to embrace life.
So, ask yourself what small steps can I take in these areas?
Going for a walk every day in my lunch break for example.
Maybe start making some healthy home cooked food.
Cut my caffeine intake down.
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier each night.
Read in bed at night rather than scroll on my phone.
Start a new hobby.
Including friends or family in new life choices, can really support the consistency of any action you take.
Emotional wellness:
Are you feeling anxious, stressed or generally facing challenges of life? then it’s helpful to find positive ways to release that tension, fear or worry.
Sometimes, we do things that numb the pain, like eating and drinking too much, spending too much money. These things may give instant gratification, but in the long term leave us feeling more despondent.
So, ask yourself, what makes you happy, what do I like to do? It maybe exercise, having a warm bath, lighting scented candles, joining a meditation class. Watching a comedy box set or baking a cake. Even just spending time alone for some is such a joyful experience.
Setting some boundaries in your life around work and life balance. Dopamine is the happy hormone and when you do things you enjoy, you release it into your body.
The feel good factor is real!
Social wellness:
Our relationships have a big impact on how we feel, if we surround ourselves with negative people, we mirror that behaviour. People pleasing and saying yes to things that you really don’t want to do, becomes really draining.
Arguing with friends or family makes us feel unhappy and stressed. Maybe you experience physical symptoms, like nausea, headaches or migraines. These signs could be indicating a need to take timeout from certain individuals, to declutter relationships and or embark on a social media detox. This is such a great form of self-care.
Consistent self-care is the way to see real benefits. You will notice when you make time for yourself, self esteem improves, feelings of positivity increase, you take back control of personal time. Sleep will improve, you will be more contented and less obligated to others.
Be confident to say NO.
Importantly, if you are always putting everyone, everything before yourself, press pause for a minute. Potentially, you do need to make a space for a daily self-care activity where you truly are the only focus of your attention.
Self-care Q&A’s
| I AM FEELING: | I NEED TO DO: |
| Overwhelmed | Take that break I have 10 minutes to reboot |
| Stressed out | Focus on doing one thing today, that means I relax |
| Anxious | Look at breathing techniques, meditation etc |
| Sad | Be kind to myself, write down 10 great things about me today- I am amazing! |
| Angry | “Flip it” What’s has been good for me today? |
| Tired | Get to bed earlier- sleep heals and rejuvenates me |
| Emotional/upset/crying all the time | Share how I feel and ask for support- reach out for help and reassurance |