Why you should care about self-care

In our achievement-driven society, people often find that on their way to achieving success, they become physically sick, emotionally drained, or they lose touch with friends and damage familial relationships. Ultimately, they do not experience the sense of fulfilment that was the original focus of their goals.

Self-care is an effective strategy to prevent this from happening.

Self-care entails purposeful acts people perform to enhance their own physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. Thus, self-care is about caring for yourself to ensure that your needs are met and that you remain resilient in the face of adversity and challenges.

The reality is, however, that most of us see self-care as a luxury rather than a priority. We regard it as being selfish or indulgent when we take time for a bubble bath or a meditation session. We may even see it as a sign of weakness.

Yet, the truth of the matter is that not practicing self-care, could be detrimental to your wellbeing. Physical and mental illness lead to financial and other costs, not only for the individual, but also for the family, organization and society. Engaging in regular self-care will reduce stress and improve your physical and mental health, thereby contributing to your effectiveness in fulfilling your personal and professional commitments.

Some of the goals of self-care are:

➢ to strengthen the immune system, enhance physical and mental health, and potentially increase lifespan;

➢ to manage and reduce stress and (the risk for) burnout;

➢ to minimize anger and frustration;

➢ to reduce anxiety and depression;

➢ to build resilience and enhance the ability to bounce back after a demanding situation;

➢ to improve concentration, mental clarity and energy, and thereby efficiency and productivity;

➢ to foster and sustain personal and professional relationships;

➢ to boost self-esteem and self-worth;

➢ to maintain a balance across different areas of life; and

➢ to increase happiness and to realize one’s purpose in life.

Some self-care activities include:

➢ Physical self-care

Physical self-care focuses on caring for your physical needs. Because of the strong body-mind connection, you will improve your cognitive functioning if you take care of your body. Activities include: enjoying a healthy, well-balanced diet; getting adequate sleep; exercising; promptly attending to medical concerns; undergoing annual health check-ups; visiting the dentist annually; taking medication as prescribed; as well as avoiding drugs, alcohol and smoking.

➢ Emotional self-care

Emotional self-care is about having healthy coping mechanisms and constructive ways to deal with your emotions. Activities include: practicing relaxation techniques; journaling; listening to music; taking a walk in nature; engaging in hobbies and leisure activities; setting boundaries and saying NO when appropriate; talking to a partner or friend; giving or receiving a hug; laughing; and taking a nap.

➢ Mental self-care

Mental self-care involves activities that help you stay mentally sharp and healthy. Remember, what we think and what we fill our minds with, will greatly influence our psychological and physical wellbeing. Activities include: learning something new; reading inspirational books and biographies; watching inspirational movies or documentaries; trying something creative or artistic; completing puzzles; taking a break from technology and social media; and spending time with loved ones.

➢ Spiritual self-care

Spiritual self-care involves activities that help you develop a deeper sense of meaning and purpose. Activities include: engaging in spiritual practices or attending religious services; praying; practicing meditation and mindfulness; reflecting on your purpose in life; offering help to those in need; living in congruence with your beliefs and principles; and living in harmony with others and the environment.

➢ Social self-care

Humans are relational by nature and close relationships with significant others are of utmost importance to your overall wellbeing. Social self-care activities include: cultivating and nurturing close relationships; taking part in social activities; giving and seeking support when needed; volunteering; and healthy social media use to connect with others.

To conclude, self-care is an essential daily activity to ensure improved health, overall wellness and a well-balanced, meaningful life.

Download the Self-care needs review from the Tools section and identify the areas in your life that require better care.