The importance of self-care should never be underestimated. It’s often the case that we put the needs of others first and forget that we have needs of our own. It’s so easy to get lost in the ‘busy lives’ syndrome and just feel that we don’t have any time for ourselves. Others need us, don’t they? And their requirements must take priority. Unfortunately, this attitude of putting others first often leads to tiredness, stress, resentment, and sometimes burn out. So if you are thinking that you can’t take ‘me’ time as you have far too much to do and people are depending on you, read on. The latest article from me, Karen, a Mental & Emotional Wellbeing specialist at Becoming Aware looks at what self-care is, signs that you are neglecting yourself, the benefits of self-care and simple ways to look after yourself.
What is self-care?
Self-care is looking after yourself and making your own mental, emotional and physical health important. It’s about having a healthy relationship with yourself and prioritising ‘you’ which in turn helps to pass on those good feelings to other people.
The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health
The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own wellbeing and happiness, in particular during periods of stress
Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision-making process that empowers individuals to look after their own health efficiently and conveniently, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed.
You will be better able to take care of others when you look after yourself
Do you feel that putting yourself first is selfish? And that it’s not a positive thing to do especially when considering those others, which can be our partner, children, family or friends. And they all come first, demoting us to the bottom of the list. Stop! When we look after ourselves first, we are better able to take care of others. When you allow yourself to receive self-care, you will be in a better position to give and taking time out for you doesn’t have to be as time consuming as it initially seems.
Signs you need to incorporate self-care
· Putting others needs first
· Regularly feeling tired and/or exhausted
· No time for yourself
· Difficulty in sleeping
· Feeling overly emotional
· Finding it hard to make decisions
· Feeling unwell
· Low self worth and self esteem
· Feeling undervalued
The benefits of self-care
According to Southern New Hampshire University, making time for regular self-care has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety, depression and stress. It has also been found to improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness and improve energy.
Simple ways to take care of yourself
· Be kind to yourself
· Allow yourself to say ‘no’ sometimes
· Eat healthily
· Meditate or practice Mindfulness
· Exercise regularly
· Make time to relax
· Arrange something you will really enjoy
· Meet up with friends
· Read a book or listen to music that lifts you
· Watch something that makes you laugh
· Get enough sleep
· Ask for help and accept it when necessary
· Speak to a professional to balance your emotions and how you are feeling
Create a routine to take time for you
Self-care doesn’t have to take a big chunk of time, as it can be a quick ten minutes here and there. Try taking a short walk around the block, or indulge in a lovely soak in the bath, or have a cup of tea and a sit down. You will soon discover that doing something for yourself at the beginning and/or end of your day can easily be incorporated into your routine. And you never know, it may make a massive difference to how you feel – I bet it will!
Maintain your own wellbeing on a regular basis
The more aware you are of yourself and your feelings, the better you are able to recognise your own needs and maintain balance mentally, emotionally and physically. Overdoing it and ignoring or suppressing how you are can only work for so long as eventually it will need to be addressed as those emotions are going to rear their ugly heads. Therefore, it’s better to maintain your wellbeing on a regular basis so you feel good in yourself. Don’t get to that point of overload where you may feel unable to function.
How can Becoming Aware help?
Remember you are important and it is safe to look after yourself. When you care for and respect you, others will pick up on that and will in turn care for and respect you too. People will get away with whatever you allow them to so maybe this is a good time to make necessary changes, take your power back and put you first. Often it can be hard to make time for yourself and to look after you. You may feel pressurised by others with those feelings of selfishness that don’t seem to go away. Sometimes, seeking professional help can be key to helping to make time for you. If you feel I can help you, please call me, Karen on 07766 427966 for a free without obligation chat or email karen@becomingaware.co.uk
