You have probably heard the term “self-care” used a lot lately. It has become a popular buzzword in the media and in personal development circles. However, you still may be unclear on what it means, just as I was when I first heard about it. While the concept does involve taking care of yourself, it actually goes much deeper than you thought.
Read on to learn what self-care is, why it matters and how to get started doing it.
About Self-Care
It’s such a brilliant plan!
Self-care covers a lot of areas about CARING for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind, and spirit. More so, it focuses on building yourself up so that your internal capacity does not become exhausted.
Essentially, self-care is being as good to yourself as you would be to someone you care about. It requires you to show yourself some compassion and encourages you to be vulnerable with others, meaning asking for help when you need it.
But, what does not fall under the umbrella of self-care are damaging coping mechanisms such as using drugs, drinking, gambling, or retail therapy. These things only make you feel good in the short term which is a formula for self-destruction.
The Benefits of Self-Care
There are lots of benefits to practicing self-care. And embracing this concept can be difficult for those who have always placed emphasis on the welfare of others.
However, giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own cup first leaves you depleted and empty. And there is nowhere to go running on empty gas.
On the contrary, spending time and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests demonstrates your worth, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the world. It opens up a lot of knowledge about yourself which provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself.
Self-care helps you better cope with stressful situations and in knowing how to prioritize what is most important to you. In this way, you will be in a better position to take care of others while you also take time to meet your own needs.
Examples of Self-Care
While there are countless ways to add self-care into your routine, the main key point to remember is to choose activities that are most enjoyable to you and that which provide you with the most benefits.
Consider going for a walk in nature if you enjoy the outdoors. With forms of exercise, you may look into yoga, running, or going to the gym which you may find pleasurable, too. One may find spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, but is also true with just saying “no” to occasions that do not spark any joy.
Allowing yourself to decline invitations or favors when you are feeling run-down is a big part of caring for yourself. Treating yourself to a favorite, affordable indulgence like a movie, manicure, or ice cream cone are all good examples. Do not discount taking a bath or simply meditating as your outlet of self-care.
These are just a few of the ways you can easily incorporate self-care into your life.
The Brilliant Plan
Now that you’ve been introduced to what self-care is and why it is important, you’re well on your way to adding this useful practice to your life. In your journal, write down several more ideas on how you can get yourself started with your self-care regimen.
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I appreciate your comment. I am glad that you found this article to be helpful.