We can often find ourselves overwhelmed, stressed, and depleted by the daily hustle and bustle of life. The demands of work, family and other responsibilities can take a toll on our physical and emotional health — which is when a bit of self-care can come into play.
Self-care basically just means taking a bit of time and effort to look after yourself. It can result in less stress, better mental and physical health and more resilience to life’s challenges.
What that involves is up to you, but here are some examples:
Positive self-talk
This means not being too hard on yourself mentally. Don’t compare yourself negatively to others, don’t dwell on your weaknesses but focus on your strengths. Get in the habit of challenging negative thoughts as they occur.
Mindfulness
Some people find meditation or mindfulness exercises useful for reducing stress, but you don’t have to get in the Buddha pose and sit in silence. Doing a hobby that you lose yourself in can be a great way to feel mindful — as can going for a walk in the woods and taking time to notice the colours, smells and sounds around you.
Physical activity
Exercise and general physical movement are important at any time of life, and regular exercise benefits your mind and body. Find something you enjoy doing and set time aside to fit it in each week. If you can do it with other people, that’s even better.
Prioritising sleep
Sleeping well has so many benefits, including better mental health and brain function — so do try to make sure you get enough rest. Consider an early night once or twice a week and follow good sleep hygiene.
Staying social
Maintaining social connections is important to our emotional wellbeing, and going for a cuppa or a meal with a friend definitely counts as self-care. Even dropping an old friend, a message and having a chat on WhatsApp can be beneficial.
Hobbies and interests
Whether you enjoy running, cooking, crochet or model railways, making time for the things that make you happy is a great way to recharge your batteries. As above, it’s even better if you can do it with friends.
Eating well
A healthy, balanced diet can improve overall wellbeing, giving us more energy and better thinking skills. The NHS Eatwell Guide gives an easy-to-understand breakdown of basic nutritional priorities — and does allow for a little treat now and then (which also counts as self-care).
Set boundaries
Whether it is at work, at home or socially, it is important to be able to say “no” sometimes — especially when people are asking too much from you. Doing this can be empowering, as well as helping you manage your workload.
Above all, self-care is not selfish; it is self-protection. Making your mental, emotional, and physical health a priority means that you can lead a more fulfilling and balanced life — making you more valuable to others as well.
