Putting Yourself First
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a crucial practice that can significantly impact our mental and physical well-being. Engaging in a regular self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or even eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, boost happiness, increase energy, and improve sleep quality. Despite these incredible benefits, self-care is often the first thing we neglect when life gets busy. But burning the candle at both ends can have serious consequences, including burnout, depression, anxiety, resentment, and more.
Why We Need Self-Care
When we constantly prioritise others and overlook our own needs, we risk depleting our physical and emotional reserves. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s about acknowledging that you deserve time and care too. According to the NHS, self-care is “the practice of consciously doing things that preserve or improve your mental or physical health.” It’s about putting yourself first and taking small steps to protect your overall well-being.
When I was going through therapy, my therapist encouraged me to incorporate self-care into my daily routine. However, their suggestions—taking a shower, brushing my teeth, getting dressed—felt more like basic hygiene needs than actual self-care. Of course, when you’re feeling so low that getting out of bed is a monumental task, these actions can feel impossible. But what I’m talking about here is practising self-care to prevent yourself from getting to that point of feeling so depressed that even basic tasks become unbearable.
The Benefits of Self-Care
1. Improved Mental Health: Regular self-care can help reduce anxiety and depression, allowing you to feel more balanced and in control.
2. Reduced Stress: Self-care activities can lower stress levels and promote relaxation, helping you respond more calmly to daily challenges.
3. Increased Happiness: Taking time for yourself boosts your mood and fosters a sense of self-worth, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
4. Enhanced Energy: By taking care of your needs, you’ll find that your energy levels increase, making it easier to tackle daily tasks.
5. Better Physical Health: Self-care practices, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, contribute to improved physical health, which in turn supports mental well-being.
6. Improved Sleep Quality: Incorporating relaxation techniques into your self-care routine, like reading or practising mindfulness, can help improve sleep patterns.
7. Increased Resilience: When you regularly prioritise self-care, you build emotional resilience, which helps you cope more effectively with life’s ups and downs.
8. Enhanced Focus and Productivity: Taking breaks and engaging in self-care can actually improve concentration, making you more productive and efficient.
9. Improved Relationships: When you care for yourself, you have more emotional energy to invest in your relationships. Being well-rested, less stressed, and happier can enhance your interactions with others, creating stronger bonds.
Practical Self-Care Examples
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. It’s about finding simple ways to nurture yourself and meet your needs. Here are some ideas to get you started, including some of my personal favourites:
– Get a Beauty Treatment: Treating yourself to a beauty treatment, like a facial or massage, can be a wonderful way to relax and feel rejuvenated.
– Go to the Gym: Physical activity is one of my go-to self-care practices. It’s not just about the physical benefits; the mental clarity and stress relief I get from working out are unmatched.
– Grab a Hot Chocolate: Sometimes, a simple treat like a hot chocolate can feel like a warm hug. It’s a little indulgence that brings me joy.
– Go for a Walk: Getting outside for a walk is one of my favourite no-cost self-care practices. Fresh air, a change of scenery, and the rhythmic movement can do wonders for clearing the mind.
– Listen to Music: Music has the power to uplift my spirits, especially when I’m feeling a bit down. I create playlists that match my mood or that I know will give me a boost.
– Catch Up with Friends: Spending time with friends who make me laugh is an instant mood-lifter. It doesn’t need to involve spending money; sometimes, just chatting over a cup of tea is enough.
– Rest!: Give yourself permission to take a break. Resting, whether it’s a nap or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea, can do wonders for your mental state.
– Treat Yourself: If your budget allows, indulge in something that brings you joy, whether it’s a spa day, a nice meal, or a new book.
– Unplug from Technology: Sometimes, taking a break from screens can help reset your mind. Try spending a tech-free hour doing something you enjoy.
– Cook a Healthy Meal: Preparing a nutritious meal for yourself is an act of self-care that nourishes both your body and mind.
– Set Boundaries: Learning to say ‘no’ when you’re feeling overwhelmed is a key form of self-care. It’s okay to prioritise your own needs.
“Self-Care isn’t Selfish”
Remember, self-care is about finding what works best for you. It could be as simple as setting aside five minutes of quiet time in the morning or booking a weekend getaway. The key is to prioritise your well-being so you can be the best version of yourself for both you and those around you.
By taking these small steps regularly, you can help prevent feeling overwhelmed or burned out. Self-care is a daily commitment to prioritising your health, happiness, and peace of mind. So, take that walk, grab that hot chocolate, treat yourself, and remember: you deserve this time for yourself.