When push comes to shove, it’s easier to care and look after everything and everyone else around us, but our own selves. We may say ‘I love myself’ or ‘I am important’, but seldom do we reflect on how much effort we take to cherish and protect our own mind and body.
One perspective is that being a giver or extra-caring towards others is a great thing. Then there’s another perspective, wherein putting everyone else’s happiness over your own is the wrong way to do things. We need to be able to take better care of ourselves, so that we can better support and care for others' needs.
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or complex. You can start with small steps and focus on daily consistency. Whether you start by taking care of your body or mind (both of which are equally important!), that first step is significant.
Online portal Very Well Mind has quoted clinical psychologist, Sabrina Romanoff, PYSD, ’Self-care is important because it helps re-establish balance and avoid burnout. It is often the mechanism of recalibrating and getting in touch with our ability to play, have fun, relax, and connect.’
These steps will help you get started on your own self-care journey:
Physical Exercise - Do any form of physical activity that rejuvenates and energises you. It could be yoga, a jog, daily walks or strength training. These activities increase blood flow to the muscles. As when muscles contract, they need more oxygen and ATP to move, and that’s why the heart pumps and provides more oxygenated blood to them. Regular activity or physical exercise also widens blood vessels, making it easier for the blood to flow. This improved blood circulation ensures that muscles and organs receive oxygen and nutrients properly. Most importantly it removes metabolic waste products.
Other Physical Care - Whether it is a daily skincare routine or regular food habits, be mindful about both. The kind of food consumed especially speaks a lot about how concerned you are about your own health and long-term lifestyle. The first step here is eating healthy and drinking plenty of water. Sleeping patterns also become important, because lack of sleep can lead to several health issues.
Mental care - Practising mindfulness, positive affirmations, meditation or core breathing exercises can really help and ease out muscle tension. This also naturally leads to positive thinking. The long-term benefits of mental health care include composure, focus, a happy state of mind and positive attitude.
Emotional care - By choosing the right company, you ensure you’re surrounded by a positive set of people.. These will make you feel good about yourself, and also be your support system during trying circumstances.
Spiritual care - Prayer is a form of spiritual care, or you could spend time in nature. Whatever you choose, actively engage in practices that bring you peace and happiness from within and ease out your worries.
Other significant self-care practices - There are innumerable options that bring you closer to yourself. A hobby that you loved as a kid but left behind later can be embarked on again. Journaling is another scientific remedy/therapy that is an act of self-care. Include common sense practices into your self-care routine, such as regular health check-ups, and avoidance of drugs and alcohol.