Do you ever find yourself feeling bogged down by the day-to-day list of responsibilities? Or feel overwhelmed or stressed to the point of exhaustion? You may be due for some self-care. Think about the last time you went for a walk or read a book. It is not selfish to practice self-care. Actually, it is very beneficial to your overall well-being.
WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”.
Basically, self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself in order to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. When we are living a healthy lifestyle it benefits our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Making us more likely to live longer and to be better equipped to manage stress.
How To Start A Self-Care Routine
- First, determine which activities bring you joy or help you feel good.
- Start small. Choose one activity or behavior and incorporate it into your weekly routine.
- Take time for reflection and note how adding in one self-care practice changed how you feel.
- Add in more self-care activities when you are ready.
- Get support or find ways to keep yourself accountable. Share the changes you are making with your friends and family. Join a group or create one in your community or workplace.
What does self-care look like? Well, it doesn’t only have to be about pampering yourself with a facial or a mani/pedi. However, it doesn’t hurt. Self-care can fulfill you emotionally, physically, intellectually, and more. Here are some ways to practice self-care.
Emotional and Spiritual
Emotional self-care can help us effectively cope with life and create satisfying relationships. Spiritual wellness can help us cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Journal. Journaling will allow you to examine your feelings, practice gratitude, gain clarity, and get things off your chest.
Talk to someone. We all struggle sometimes and it’s okay to ask for help. Whatever you’re feeling, it can be useful to talk through it with a loved one. Or ask a loved one if they have any recommendations in regards to counseling.
Meditate. Meditation can be a great way to create a deeper connection within yourself and can relieve stress.
Volunteer for a cause that’s important to you. If you are passionate about helping others – get involved in helping others in your community.
Physical
Stay active. Try a variety of activities to find something you enjoy and can see yourself doing long-term. You can make it fun – like taking a dance class.
Eat nutritious meals and snacks. Improve your mental and physical health by eating foods that fuel you. You know the drill… eat your fruits and vegetables. Choose lean proteins and drink plenty of water.
Create a nighttime routine. Set yourself up for success by creating a relaxing nighttime routine that will help you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Be consistent with your sleep schedule.
Social
Stay connected. Consider starting a book club, hosting a game night, or sharing recipes with a group of friends. You can stay connected virtually or in person.
It’s okay to say no. It is important to stay connected. It is just as important to say no to events that can feel overwhelming. You control how you spend your time. Focus on things that bring you joy. Sometimes self-care can mean taking some downtime too.
Financial
Create a budget. Financial stresses can be overwhelmingly stressful. Create a budget that sets you up for success.
Set financial goals and milestones. Once you have your budget in place – set some goals. Like to travel? Plan that dream trip and create a savings plan to get you there.
Occupational and Intellectual
Explore your options. Sometimes it may feel like you are on a set career path or maybe you feel like you are in a rut. Think about your interests and find a career that touches on some of those interests.
Review your resume. Your resume is often the first impression you make when applying for internships, jobs, and other positions. Update your resume even if you have a job.
Learn online. Refine your current skill set or develop a new one. Check out some webinars or online classes.
Environmental
Spend time outside. Getting outside is a great way to change your scenery, get some fresh air, and feel more at ease. Even if it is for only 20 minutes – get outside. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Rearrange your space. Our spaces can impact us in a lot of ways. Refresh your space by rearranging the furniture, adding art, or organizing things in a different way.
Create a vision board. Vision boards are visual representations of the intentions and goals you want for your life. They can help inspire us, keep us grounded and remind us of what’s important. Create your own vision board by using photos, magazine clippings, or other elements you have around the house.
Caregivers
Are you a caregiver? In order to be a good caregiver, it is truly important to take care of yourself first. Whatever your circumstances are, do yourself a favor and practice self-care.
Taking care of yourself is a top priority. When we take the time to refresh or refuel we have a better chance of performing better at work, having a better attitude at home, and being more present when we are around our loved ones.
At OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, we are dedicated to providing personalized healthcare for each and every woman. From puberty to menopause, we aim to supply every woman with top-quality gynecological and obstetrical care. Come visit us and find out why we are the most trusted name in women’s health in the Lakewood Ranch area.
