Self-Care Defined: What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Important?

Life just seems like one responsibility after another. Bills, work, kids, school, the list is never-ending. Instead of doing things to keep us happy and healthy, we do the exact opposite. We pack lunches for the family but fail to eat on our breaks. The children have scheduled bedtimes, yet we are exhausted because we do not get enough sleep. We tell our loved ones to stop worrying so much but turn around and do the same thing. We get so wrapped up in our daily lives that we sometimes forget the most important obligation of all which is self-care.

What is Self-Care?

In the past few years or so, the health and wellness industry has been promoting the mantra of self-care. Just look on social media; you cannot scroll through your timeline without someone making a reference to it. But what is self-care exactly? Ask the average person, and they may think that it means to take care of yourself, spa days, or double fudge chocolate cake. Sure, that is a small part of it, but there is so much more to it than that. So what is it exactly? Self-care is intentionally performing regular functions that maintain our physical, emotional, and mental health. It means to treat yourself as well as you treat others. Also, it is knowledge of self and having boundaries. Self-care is necessary for our overall well-being and is crucial to our relationship with ourselves and others.

Why Is Self-Care Important?

We tend to overlook our own needs when we are overbooked, overworked, and overwhelmed to the point where we shun our most basic but important necessities in exchange for things that should not have a higher priority. We skip lunch and work late to tackle the never-ending mountain of work. When we get home from work, we are too tired to cook, so we order fast food. We are always saying no to friends and skip family functions because we are just too busy. That gym membership seems like a waste of money because it looks like there is not enough time in the day to squeeze in a workout. However, having that type of mentality actually harms us more than helps us. We become emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted and ultimately become ill. Here are some reasons why practicing self-care is essential to living your best life:

Self-care is necessary for self-preservation.

Every day, we do things to ensure our safety. We look both ways before crossing the street to avoid getting hit by a car. We dress warmly in freezing weather to diminish our chances of catching a cold. But for some reason, when life throws boulders at us in the form of stress, drama, and toxic relationships, we run toward them instead of staying away.

However, practicing self-care can definitely preserve you. See, when you are healthy, happy, and glowing as a result of taking care of yourself, you are not going to be too keen on messing that up. You will avoid drama like the plague because it will stunt your emotional and intellectual growth. Tumultuous relationships will have no place in your life because you do not want to be involved with anything that will disturb your inner peace.

Self-care keeps us balanced.

Life can sometimes be so chaotic that we don’t know if we are coming or going. With family obligations, work, and other commitments, things can get quite hectic. Applying self-care techniques helps you to maintain balance and harmony in your life.

Self-care prevents burnout.

Pushing yourself beyond the limit may seem like a good idea when you have so much to do. But there is a risk that you can crash and burn. Implementing self-care on a regular basis actually keeps you from getting to that stage.

Self-care teaches you to prioritize.

Sometimes, we will place an insane amount of energy on things that do not matter while neglecting other areas that are much more vital to our well-being. Engaging in self-care helps you realize what is truly important.

Can’t pour from an empty cup.

Have you ever tried to pour a cup with nothing in it into another empty one? No, right? That is because it does not make sense; it can’t be done. Well, guess what? That principle is not only limited to cups and glasses, but the same thing also applies to you too! Practicing self-care replenishes us to help keep our “cup” full.

Types of Self-Care

There are nine different aspects of self-care: emotional, physical, mental, spiritual, professional, social, financial, environmental, and sensory.

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional self-care is doing things that help you process, sort, connect and stay in tune with your emotions.

Emotional Self-Care Ideas

• Listen to some music and create a playlist or add songs you love and put them on repeat.
• Learn to say no, especially to things that do not serve your best interests.
• Watch your favorite movies or TV shows.
• Talk with a friend.
• Start a journal.
• Pick up a hobby.
• Create boundaries and stick to them.
• Allow yourself to experience emotions without fear of judgment or embarrassment.
• Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel unworthy and follow only those that align with your values.

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care is engaging in activities that promote your physical health. It may also include implementing certain routines that enhance your aesthetic appearance.

Physical Self-Care Ideas:

• Drink water
• Go for a walk
• Wear your favorite color
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Prepare a healthy meal
• Commit to getting 6-9 hours of sleep every night.

  

• Exercise
• Get into some outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, or swimming.
• Get some sun
• Stretch/Practice Yoga
• Get your hair done
• Get a pedicure
• Take naps to recharge
• Do not push yourself when you are not feeling well.
• Have a spa day

Mental Self-Care 

Mental Self Care involves activities that stimulate your mind or intellect.

Mental Self-Care Ideas

• Take a break from social media.
• Read a book.

  

• Listen to a podcast.
• Make an appointment with a therapist.
• Spend some time alone.
• Turn off your phone.
• Learn a new skill.
• Stop overthinking.

Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-care is any activity that keeps you balanced, encourages discipline, nourishes your spirit, gives you inner peace, and promotes a deeper relationship with a higher power.

Spiritual Self-Care Ideas

• Practice or work on forgiveness.
• Pray
• Write a list of things you are grateful for.
• Meditate

  

• Watch an inspirational TV show or YouTube video.
• Say daily positive affirmations.

Professional Self-Care

Professional self-care involves activities that help you perform at your best professionally.

Professional Self-Care Ideas

• Do not stay past your scheduled time. Work overtime only occasionally.
• Set boundaries.
• Take and enjoy your lunch break (away from your desk, if possible).
• Do not take work home. Leave it where it belongs, which is at work.
• Take your vacation and personal days.
• Reevaluate and update your professional skills.
• Do not force yourself to work if you are sick.
• Do not be afraid to say no if your plate is already full.
• Ask for help if you are swamped.
• Form relationships with colleagues that have a similar mindset.
• Find other employment if your job is no longer fulfilling.

Social Self-Care

Social Self Care is any activity that helps us connect, nurture, and deepen our relationships with others.

Social Self-Care Ideas

• Spend time with your family.
• Let go of toxic friendships or relationships.
• Meet your friends for brunch or a night out on the town.
• Have a date night with your significant other.
• Call or visit relatives.
• Join an interest or hobby-based online community or in-person group. that does not involve work.
• Plan a vacation with friends or family.

Financial Self-Care

Financial self-care is participating in activities that ensure fiscal responsibility and security. It also teaches us to have a good relationship with money.

Financial Self-Care Ideas

• Know what your income and expenses are.
• Avoid unnecessary spending, and try not to live above your means.
• Pay your bills when they are due.
• File your taxes on time.
• Create a budget and stick to it.
• Try not to incur too much credit card debt.

Environmental Self-Care

Environmental Self-Care is any activity that keeps our surroundings organized, safe, and clean.

Environmental Self-Care Ideas

• Declutter your space.
• Organize your space.
• Keep your living space safe and clean.
• Recycle as much as possible.

Sensory Self-Care

Sensory Self-care is a group of activities that appeal to the five senses.

Sensory Self-Care Ideas

• Eat your favorite dessert, and slowly savor each bite.
• Listen to some jazz or classical music with your eyes closed to help you relax.
• Snuggle up with a warm blanket.
• Get a massage
• Light your favorite scented candle.
• Look at old photos of loved ones and remember the good times.
• Go to a coffee shop and take in the invigorating scents of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.
• Stand in the part of the beach where the sand meets the ocean. Wiggle your toes as the water splashes against your feet.
• Sit outside (or on the beach or at the pool) on a warm day and feel the heat of the sun rays against your skin.
• Change the visuals in one of the rooms in your living space by redecorating.

The Benefits of Self-Care

The benefits of incorporating self-care into your daily routine are endless. Here are some ways that practicing self-care is beneficial to your well-being:

It helps to manage stress.

In life, there will always be burdens; we can’t avoid them. But the way we handle these situations makes a big difference in how our mind and body respond to us. While a little stress can benefit us, it is when it gets out of hand that eventually it will be detrimental to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Practicing self-care helps alleviate stress so that you can operate at full capacity.

Self-care will improve your health.

Making a habit of practicing self-care relieves stress, helps to ward off illnesses, and strengthens the immune system. When you set aside time to prepare healthy meals, exercise regularly, and take time out for yourself, your physical health will get better.

Self-care increases productivity.

Self-care helps with productivity levels by increasing energy. For example, let’s say you are looking forward to going to the movies with your friends after work. You will now get that extra boost to get as much work done as possible because you do not want to stay late and miss the opportunity to spend time with your friends. Making time to do things you enjoy, even if it is just to relax, will have you feeling rejuvenated. Therefore, you will have the energy to complete other important tasks.

Self-care boosts your immune system.

When you partake in self-care activities such as exercising, meditating, getting enough rest, and spa days, you activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). When this happens, it puts our bodies into a state of relaxation and revitalization, which builds up our immune systems.

It improves self-compassion.

It is easy to feel good about ourselves during our wins and accomplishments. However, we can be quite harsh to ourselves concerning our failures and shortcomings. Incorporating self-care in our lives on a regular basis teaches us to be more compassionate towards ourselves, and helps to avoid self-criticism. When we are compassionate towards ourselves, we can be compassionate towards others.

It encourages self-discovery.

Practicing self-care involves the task of knowing what you love to do and what drives you. For example, if you want to start an exercise routine, you have to decide which activities you are interested in. The process of evaluating what your passions are gives you a better understanding of yourself. When there is knowledge of self, it encourages healthy relationships with yourself and others.

Self-care will boost your confidence.

Engaging in self- care activities you are fond of helps boost confidence and self-esteem. Taking care of yourself also gives you a more positive outlook on life and deters negative thoughts from consuming you. Also, when you fall in love with taking care of yourself, you fall in love with you.

It helps us to recharge.

Taking time out from our busy lives is essential to living a happy and healthy life. Rest and relaxation help us to restore our mind, body, and soul and will put you in a better mood.

Be able to give more to others.

When you are adamant about making sure your needs are met, you can give more of yourself to others.

What Self Care Isn’t

Now that we know what the definition of self-care truly is, it makes us more aware of some of the misconceptions that are associated with it and differentiate what self-care entails and what it doesn’t. Here are examples of what self-care is not:

Self Care is not selfish.

Self-care does not mean being selfish. Sure it involves the act of putting yourself first, but you have to make sure your wellness is intact before you go gallivanting off to help someone else.

It is not an indulgence.

Self-care is not only about bubble baths, decadent desserts, and retail therapy. While getting a massage may seem like an indulgence, it also has many health benefits such as improving circulation, reducing stress, and alleviating pain.

It is not all fun and games.

Self-care also means performing duties that you may not particularly like doing but is essential to your well-being. For example, activities such as doing housework, exercising, and eliminating foods you love due to dietary restrictions, is probably not enjoyable but is necessary for your overall wellness.

It is not time-consuming.

Contrary to what you may believe, self-care does not take up all of your time. There are twenty-four hours in a day, and surely you can squeeze in 15 minutes to either workout, wash the dishes, or meditate.

It is not the same for everyone.

We are a diverse people with different personalities and situations going on in our lives. What one person may practice as self-care may not apply to someone else. For example, binge-watching a funny tv show may be a good idea for a person who is sick, sad, or introverted, but it may not work for someone who enjoys outdoor activity or is a social butterfly.

It is not irresponsible.

A small part of self-care is rewarding yourself with the occasional treat, but not at the expense of your responsibilities. For example, buying a new dress as a birthday gift to yourself is fine as long as it does not compromise your financial obligations and cause you to go into debt.

It is not about being lazy.

Self-care does not mean you spend most days lounging around all day in your pajamas. While it may entail certain routines such as sleeping in late on the weekends or resting when you are ill, it also involves activities such as meal prepping, doing laundry, or taking a Zumba class.

It is not reactive.

Practicing self-care should be a proactive measure that we always implement into our lives, rather than waiting until something bad happens to us to finally start taking care of ourselves. For example, healthy eating is something we should do every day, not a concept we adapt after becoming chronically ill.

It is not exclusive to one group of people.

I feel as though the self-care crusade is mainly directed toward adult women. Yes, we definitely need it, but what about the men and children in our lives? I know that we have a lot on our plate, but men and children are also under pressure and have issues that they have to deal with as well. Self-care is a routine that should be practiced by all.

It is not a one-time experience.

Self-care is not something you do once and go back to your regularly scheduled program of neglecting your needs. It is something you must practice daily.

Final Thoughts

Implementing a self-care routine is easier than you think; you just need to realize that you are the most important obligation that you have. Be sure to nurture all aspects of self-care to maintain balance. Focusing on one area of self-care while neglecting others is counterproductive. For example, scrolling and engaging on social media all night may provide instant gratification. But that sense of satisfaction will fade once you realize that it is now 3:00 A.M. and you have to get up at 6:00 A.M. to get ready for work and the kids ready for school. Your productivity will be affected due to lack of sleep.

As you add tasks to your to-do list, make sure that taking care of yourself is the first order of business. Whether you are leaving work on time to go to Yoga class or exchanging late-night TV for a decent night’s sleep, making self-care a priority sets the tone for everything else to run smoothly. Remember, no one will take care of you better than you.

Thank you for reading.

Yours Truly,

Tracy

 

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock