Self-Care is NOT Selfish with Routines To Try
by
Beth Warren
June 13, 2021
The most important question you can ask yourself when you wake up is:
What do you need to be well today?
Here are important points to keep in mind when it comes to self-care:
Self-care doesn’t mean that you don’t care about others
Self-care can be seen by others as selfish because we’ve been taught to take care of others before we take care of ourselves. What many people don’t know is that self-care is incredibly crucial for a healthy life. If you don’t properly care for yourself, your body will let you know.
Self-Care Combats Chronic Stress
What most people don’t know is that stress can really harm your health. Research shows it weakens the immune system and inflames the body, making us more susceptible to colds, weight gain, sleep issues, stomach ulcers, depression, diabetes and heart disease.
Finding a self-care routine to implement during stressful times is essential to your health. Seeking out small ways to focus on your own needs is a great way to start prioritizing self care. Try reading a novel, taking a bath, calling a friend or doing some gentle exercise to lower your stress and center yourself. It doesn't have to be HUGE to be self-care - just INTENTIONAL.
Take Time Every Day
In order to start your self-care routine, you need to carve some time out of your day to pause or take a break.
There are many different activities that can make you feel at peace, such as taking a hike, gardening or walking on the beach. Take a lunch hour dance break for a few minutes to listen to your favorite music! You could even set aside 15 minutes before bed to read a book, take a bath or meditate. Another way to process your thoughts is to try journaling.
Practice Healthy Eating
Do you ever get food cravings when you are stressed out? While sometimes the only thing that will stop a craving is to get that one snack on your mind, intentionally creating a menu with lots of different foods is a great way to learn new recipes, get to know new ingredients, and keep things varied and interesting.
Make sure you're also drinking enough water and try not to over-use caffeine, as it can lead to trouble sleeping and increased stress.
Do It With Friends
Do you have friends who are also struggling to set aside time for themselves? Make it a standing date with Self-Care Sunday! Your activities don’t have to last all day, but make sure you do something that makes you feel happy and taken care of, like a creative hour to write or paint, a walk on a local path, or a social call with a few friends to catch up and have some you-time.
