Hello dear friends! Today I want to talk about a subject close to my heart: self care. You know, I was going through or really difficult time of us back I was juggling a full time job, managing my family and having some personal problems.I was worn out, stressed, and completely burnt out. But then, I embrace self care.
I admit that I had my doubts at first. Selfcare, in my opinion, was just another way to be told to “toughen up” and “push through” the difficult times. But as I explored more into the idea I came to see that self-care meant so much more than that. It was about looking out for myself and making sure I was doing everything I could to maintain my physical and emotional well-being.
I started including self care activities in my daily routine. I made sure to get enough rest, eat well and make time for fun. I routinely worked out and engaged in mindful meditation. I gradually started to feel better after that. I felt less stressed, had more energy, and was happier.
That’s why I like to talk about self care today. Because I believe that self-care is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. It’s about taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally. So let’s talk about self care and how we can make it a part of our daily life.
What is self-care and why is it important?
Self care is the process of caring for ourselves. It is about ensuring that you are taking care of your body, mind, and emotions. Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and unwind are all examples of this.
You maybe wondering why self-care is so important right now. Let me tell you something: self-care is essential because it helps us cope with stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on our body and minds leading to a variety of negative outcomes if left unchecked. However, by taking care of ourselves, we can help to mitigate the effects of stress and anxiety and keep ourselves feeling our best.
Self-care 101: The ultimate guide to taking care of yourself
So, what are some strategies for coping with stress and anxiety through self-care? Here are a few that I’ve found helpful:
1. Make time for yourself
Making time for yourself is one of the most important aspects of self care. Life can get pretty hectic and it’s easy to get caught up in our to-do list and responsibilities. But if we don’t take the time to take care of ourselves it can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and burn-out. So, how do we make time for ourselves? the answer is simple schedule it!
Try setting aside a specific time of day to do your self-care activities. For example you could schedule a “me-time” hour everyday after work, or making it a morning ritual before starting your day. This will help you to prioritize your self-care and make sure it is not an after thought or something that’s pushed to the back.
Remember, making time for yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary for your well-being. You deserve to take a break, relax and enjoy the little things in life. Give yourself permission to make self-care a priority. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
2. Practise mindfullness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, and it involves paying attention to your thoughts feelings and sensations in a non judgement way. There are many ways to practice mindfulness including meditation, yoga and simply paying attention to your breath and body sensations.
Meditation can involve sitting quietly and focusing on your breath or a Mantra, or it can involve guided meditation through an app or audio recording.
By being present in the moment and paying attention to your thoughts feelings and sensations you can get a deep persons of calm and clarity.
3. Get Moving
Exercising is one of the most effective ways to release pent-up energy and reduce stress and anxiety. It is a natural mode booster and can help to improve overall well-being. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins also known as “feel-good” chemicals. These endorphins can help to improve your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Exercise can also help to improve sleep increase energy levels and boost self-confidence.
If you are new to exercise, start small. Even a short walk or jog around the block can do wonders for your mode. As you become more comfortable with exercise, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
It’s also important to set realistic goals and to be patient with yourself. Remember that progress takes time and consistency. Make exercise a regular part of your routine and you will start to see the benefits in no time.
4. Connect with Others
Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust can help you feel hurt and understood. They can also offer you different viewpoints and solutions to the problems that you may be facing.
Having a strong social support system can also help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness which can be major contributors to stress and anxiety. Whether it’s through a phone call text message or video chat connecting with others can help to improve overall well-being.
5. Get Enough Sleep
It’s important to make sure you are getting enough sleep each night to help you feel refreshed and energised throughout the day. The national sleep foundation recommends that adults aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
Establishing a regular sleep schedule is also important. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day even on weekends. This will help regulate your body’s internal clock and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can also help you fall asleep more easily. This could include things like reading, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath. Avoiding stimulating activities like watching TV, using your phone, or working on computer for at least an hour before bed can also help to prepare your mind and body for sleep.
6. Treat Yourself to Something Nice
Treating yourself can mean different things to different people. It could be something as simple as taking a long relaxing bath, or enjoying a cup of your favourite tea. It could also means splurging on a massage, a new outfit or a special meal.
The key is to choose something that brings you joy and makes you feel good. This could be something that you look forward to or something that you have been waiting to do for a while. By taking the time to treat yourself, you can show yourself that you are worth it and deserving of a little extra love and care.
Incorporating small treats into your routine can help you feel more relaxed refreshed and rejuvenated. So go ahead and treat yourself to something nice today! Your mind and body will thank you for it.
7. Journaling
Journaling is an effective and accessible tool for managing stress and anxiety. By putting your thoughts and feelings down on a paper, you are able to process and understand them more fully and release pent-up emotions in a healthy and productive way.
Journaling can be done through writing by hand in a physical journal or by typing into a digital document. The important thing is to find a method that works for you and to make time for it regularly as part of your self-care routine. You can write about your worries what’s been bothering you or simply reflect on the day’s events.
Not only does journaling help to release stress and anxiety, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment and a clearer understanding of your thoughts and emotions. You can look back at your journal to see how far you’ve come and what steps you need to take to maintain your mental well-being. So grab a journal after and start writing! Your mind and heart will thank you.
8. Take a Warm Bath or Shower
Taking a warm bath or shower can be a powerful form of self-care that can help to release stress and anxiety. The warm water can help to relax your muscles and release tension providing a sense of comfort and relaxation. Try adding some essential oils or Epsom salt to your bath to enhance the experience. Not only does this help to soothe physical symptoms of stress and anxiety but also a coming effect on mind.
Incorporating warm baths or showers in your self-care routine is an easy and effective way to take care of your mental and physical wellbeing. So next time you are feeling stressed or anxious, treat yourself to a warm bath or shower, and let the tension melt away.
9. Listen to Music
Listening to music is highly effective to relax. Different genres of music have different effects on our emotions so it is important to choose music that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Whether it’s classical music jazz or your favourite playlist, music can help you calm your mind and release the stress and tension that contributes to feelings of anxiety.
Music has the ability to transport us to another place and time allowing us to escape our current situation and experience a sense of peace and calm. It can also trigger positive emotions and memories making it a great tool for improving mood. So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, put on your headphones and let your favourite music take you away.
10. Laugh
Laughter is truly the best medicine in the whole world! When we laugh our bodies release endorphins which are natural mood boosters that help us feel happier and more relaxed.
Surrounding yourself with people who have positive and light-hearted outlook on life can be a great way to lift your mood. Try to find humour in everyday moments and don’t take things too seriously. Life can be stressful and challenging but having a good sense of humour can help you stay positive and resilient in the face of stress. Go ahead and let the good times roll!
Conclusion
In conclusion, self-care is a critical aspect of our overall well-being and mental health. It is a continuous process that requires our dedication and commitment, but the results are well worth it. By taking the time to prioritise our own self-care, we can reduce the stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and feel better equipped to handle the challenges of daily life.
Remember self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. So let’s make self-care a priority in our lives and treat ourselves with kindness, compassion and love. You deserve it!
