Self-care is an essential practice for physical, mental and emotional health. It involves taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your overall wellbeing. Research suggests that self-care can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, and improve energy. Even small acts of self-care in daily life can have a big impact.
When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, reduce the risk of illness and increase your energy. It also allows you to establish a positive mindset that will result in good feelings and emotions for the people around you. By taking the time to recharge, you'll improve your attitude and that of others, and you'll develop significantly lower amounts of unhealthy stress. Self-care is much more than just understanding how to take care of yourself: it involves putting your knowledge into practice and realizing when it should be restored.
To adopt the routine of practicing self-care on a regular basis, experts recommend starting small rather than tackling the most difficult first. Self-care means taking care of yourself to be healthy, to be well, to do your job, to help and care for others and to do everything you need and want to achieve in a day. Feeling guilty about spending time on self-care when you have other responsibilities is an obstacle for many people. Discuss your concerns with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health specialist if needed.
If you're not sure how to practice self-care, you can start by closing your eyes and taking a deep breath when you're feeling anxious or stressed. Setting boundaries, restoring the mind and body, improving your relationship with yourself, and reducing stress are just a few of the myriad ways in which a self-care routine can benefit every individual. It's very counterproductive, if not impossible, to try to care only for others at the expense of yourself.
