There are many benefits to practicing self care, and I thought this a really valuable article for this website, as by practicing self care we decrease our stress levels and thus we also age more gracefully.
So, how good are you at practicing self-care?
The Benefits Of Practicing Self Care
Self-care entails taking the time to manage our individual physical, mental, and emotional needs and wellness. Good self-care habits are essential in terms of how we view ourselves and our ability to interact with others.
You may be very good at taking care of others but how good are you at practicing self care on yourself? Self care is a component of our physical and mental wellness that we do not discuss enough. It requires us to be quite deliberate in how it is we go about taking care of ourselves which can feel selfish and, on some levels, overwhelming.
When was the last time you took a day or even a week off to decompress and explore the meaning of life? I know I am guilty of this one, as I like to keep busy.
We often store our days and guard them like gold, preserving them for times of illness or family vacation days. Self-care practitioners challenge themselves on this philosophy. They focus on finding a healthy balance that allows for self-preservation without sacrificing all of the other things they hold as being equally important such as family, career, and community.
Practicing self-care allows us to be there in the way we want to be there for others.
How Do You Know If You Are Failing At Self-Care
Some tell-tale signs that you might be failing in the self-care department include feelings of being stressed, feeling burned out, and having poor physical health. Illnesses are often taxing on your body to the point you are forced to take time away from work, and it can take quite a while to recharge after such an event. Getting ill might be your body trying to tell you that you need to take some time out.
Another sign that you may be failing in the realm of self-care is if you rarely allow others to do something for you. Self-care can also mean having the skillset to enable others to take the reins of a situation while you take a break or focus on other tasks that need your attention.
How To Practice Self Care
According to Psychology Today, proper self-care can create a pathway to you better managing your stress and ultimately living your best life. It can serve as armor that protects the energy that is necessary for your survival.
Here are five tenets to put you on course to practicing better self-care.
Schedule Self-Care Activities
Self-care does not just happen spontaneously. You have to actually schedule the time and actively commit to seeing those plans through to the end.
Additionally, you may have to ensure others are aware of your plans to ensure they don’t unknowingly push you to put their needs ahead of yours.
If you don’t enjoy being idle or meditating, why not try learning a new hobby?
Know When To Say ‘No’
As humans, we all have limits in our capabilities. Taking on more than we can do for an extended period can wear you down, draining you, and robbing you of your ability to be creative and effective in other ways ranging from the workplace to your home life.
Practicing self-care requires you to establish clear boundaries on behalf of yourself with others who may or may not have your best interests at heart.
Make Sleep/Rest A Priority
Sleep may not seem that important when you are busy, but you should not underestimate the necessity of recharging your body. Sleep, rest, relaxation, and meditation can all contribute to replenishing your body and giving it a much-needed restoration period.
Additionally, it helps to keep your mind sharp and can also aid in allowing you to sustain a healthy mood and outlook on life and interacting with others.
Find Fitness
If fitness is not your strong point, look for ways to naturally incorporate some form of fitness into your day.
Challenge yourself to find something you find joy in doing whether it’s going for walks, swimming, kickboxing, dancing around your home solo or finding a Zumba class to get you moving.
Self-care is not only about getting adequate rest, taking a day off, or keeping your doctor’s appointments. It’s also about helping your body to stay fit.
Socialize With Others
Socialize with others.
Self-care can also be about tending to those relationships that make us feel good. Healthy relationships are essential for our emotional and physical well-being.
We all get busy from time to time and incorporating our friends and family into our busy schedule can seem impossible. However, our connections are a must-have. Look for ways to nurture those relationships –even if it means becoming the organizer of those get-togethers.
Take the time today to assess your life and whether or not you are reaping the benefits of practicing self care.
You don’t have to make sweeping changes all at once if you find a few areas are lacking. Target a single area at a time and make small adjustments.
You will be amazed by the overall improvement that will begin to take hold of your life.