Why Self Care Can Help You Manage Stress

 

What is self-care?

Self-care is a general term that describes everything you do deliberately for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. As simple as it sounds, many of us pay little attention to self-care. You need to be conscious of your well-being before you can achieve proper self-care. It starts from the simple acts like not checking emails at night when you know it affects your sleep and extends to more essential decisions like going for a vacation or booking a massage when you feel you need one.

 

Why is it important?

Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself to transmit good feelings to others. You cannot give to others what you don't have yourself.

 

Here are some tips for self-care tips to improve your well-being.

1. Pay attention to your physical health

Physical health is a core part of self-care. The body and the mind have a unique connection, and it's difficult to be in high spirits when you are not feeling good about your body. Research has shown that regular exercise increases the level of serotonin in our body, significantly improving mood and energy. When exercising for self-care, you should choose an activity you love. It could be a regular run, brisk walking, swimming, or just about any other thing that makes you feel alive. You derive extra fulfilment from doing what you love, and it is the love that encourages persistence even when it seems you do not have time for it.

 

2. Get enough sleep

Too many people are sleep deprived, and it takes a toll on our physical and mental health. We seem to have made the maxim 'hard work pays' too seriously. We now spend so much time working and very little time sleeping. Sleep scientists recommend that adults need at least 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Your body needs time to rest and renew. Daytime naps are also excellent for refreshing our body and improving concentration levels. Self-care products are a good idea to help you sleep easier for example soy candle, reed diffuser oils as the scent will make you relax and sleep better.

 

3. Be a healthy eater

Your diet is a significant part of self-care, and it's an aspect you should be wary about. When you ask people about foods that make them feel good, you get answers like a juicy steak, mounds of lasagna, or incredibly delicious cupcakes. However, consistently indulging in these delicacies is NOT self-care. Healthy, nutritious foods are one of nature's best gifts to us. So make a habit out of consuming good foods that build your body.

 

4.) Identify the things that matter to you

This may seem easy, but it can be challenging to practice. First, you need to ask yourself the tough questions to identify the things that matter to you the most. Spend more time with those you would love to be with and deliberately live your life the way you want to be remembered. Keeping an eye on your priorities will help you make decisions about how you spend your time.

 

5. Change your mindset / Gratitude

Too often, we focus on the negatives while showing little appreciation for the beauty that's all around us. It's what happens when you have a bad breakup, and all you can remember is how badly the person hurt you. We tend to forget all the fantastic things that the relationship brought us. Cherish the good memories and hold them, dear, even if the unpleasant ones attempt to consume you. Show gratitude and appreciation for the little gifts in life. Take time to be still and meditate more. If you can adopt a gratitude mindset, you are on your way to achieving the highest level of self-care.

 

6. Learn to say No

Too often, you say yes to every request not to hurt the feelings of another party. When you do this at the expense of your peace or health, you are going against the principles of self-care. It's good to realize you're only human, and you can't possibly make everyone happy. On the other hand, saying yes to everything predisposes you to burnouts, and it's terrible for your physical and emotional health.

 

Live your best life

Self-Care is personal, and no general principle will always work. What motivates you and inspires you is different from the person next door. Look for the things that make you feel alive. Make dates with yourself and when you commit to working out or doing something for yourself, keep the commitment you make to yourself. We don't back out on our friends, don't back out on ourselves. By being healthy about self-care, you will feel be better equipped to help others. Go live your best life.