What is selfcare ?
Well let start with what it is not. Selfcare is not selfish, selfcare is not an indulgence, selfcare is not a on time even, selfcare is not time consuming, selfcare is not a trend, selfcare is not a waste of time!
Selfcare is setting time aside for yourself, to check in, take a break, call a love one, listen to your favorite song, take a warm bath, do yoga, and perhaps just stop everything and stay still for a little while.
According to recent studies 6 of 10 peoples suffer from some types of mental health issue ranging from depression, anxiety, eating disorder. Selfcare can be a way to help yourself overcome those obstacle. So in short selfcare is taking the time everyday to do something that make you happy, help your rewing and relax.
Self-care is important because it can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. It involves taking time for oneself to recharge and care for one's well-being, which can be especially important in our fast-paced and often stressful world.
Self-care can include a variety of activities, such as:
- Exercise and physical activity
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
- Engaging in hobbies and other interests
- Spending time with friends and loved ones
By taking care of oneself, individuals can reduce the impact of stress, improve overall health and well-being, and increase their ability to handle the demands of daily life.
Additionally, self-care can also help to prevent burnout and depression, and can improve overall life satisfaction and happiness. In short, self-care is an important aspect of overall health and well-being and should be prioritized by individuals to support their mental and physical health.
The 10 best Selfcare ideal
- 1. Eat healthy and balanced meals.
Yes, eating healthy and balanced meals is an important aspect of self-care. A healthy diet can provide the nutrients and energy needed to support physical and mental health, and can help to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
A balanced meal typically includes a variety of foods from different food groups, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables, which are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Whole grains, which provide complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, which support muscle growth and repair
- Low-fat dairy products, which provide calcium and other essential nutrients
- Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which help to support heart health and brain function
It's also important to limit or avoid processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, which can be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
By eating a healthy and balanced diet, individuals can support their physical and mental health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce their risk of chronic health conditions.
- 2. Exercise regularly.
Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on both physical and mental health, and can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels.
There are many types of physical activity that can be incorporated into a regular exercise routine, including:
- Aerobic exercise, such as jogging, cycling, or swimming, which can help to improve cardiovascular health and endurance
- Strength training, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, which can help to build muscle and increase metabolism
- Flexibility and balance exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, which can improve posture and help to prevent injury
The recommended amount of exercise for adults is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as running, per week. In addition, adults should aim to do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times per week.
By making exercise a regular part of their routine, individuals can improve their physical health, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, and support their mental and emotional well-being.
- 3. Get enough sleep.
Sleep is essential for physical and mental health and plays a crucial role in allowing the body to repair and recharge.
Adults should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night to support their overall health and well-being. However, the amount of sleep that each individual needs can vary, and some people may need more or less sleep to feel well-rested.
Sleep can be impacted by a variety of factors, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, and irregular sleep patterns. To promote healthy sleep, it is important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, and create a relaxing sleep environment by keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
By getting enough sleep, individuals can improve their physical and mental health, reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and improve their ability to handle the demands of daily life.
- 4. Practice mindfulness and/or meditation.
practicing mindfulness and/or meditation can be an important aspect of self-care. Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase focus and productivity.
Meditation is a form of mindfulness that involves sitting quietly and focusing on the present moment, often with the use of a specific technique such as deep breathing or visualization. It can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness and meditation, and they can be incorporated into daily life in a variety of ways. Some popular methods include:
- Deep breathing exercises
- Guided meditations
- Body scan meditation
- Mindful walking or yoga
By practicing mindfulness and/or meditation regularly, individuals can improve their mental and emotional health, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase their overall well-being.
5. Spend time in nature.
Being in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on physical and mental health, and can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
There are many ways to spend time in nature, such as:
- Hiking in a park or nature reserve
- Going for a walk in the countryside
- Spending time at the beach
- Gardening
- Camping or outdoor activities
Spending time in nature can help individuals to connect with the environment, which can be beneficial for mental health and well-being. Additionally, being in nature can also provide an opportunity to be physically active and get some exercise, which can further improve overall health.
By incorporating time in nature into their self-care routine, individuals can reduce stress, improve mood, and support their physical and mental health
6. Connect with friends and family.
Having strong social connections can provide support, increase happiness, and reduce stress and anxiety.
There are many ways to connect with friends and family, such as:
- Spending time together in person
- Talking on the phone or video chat
- Going out for meals or activities
- Participating in shared hobbies or interests
- Volunteering or participating in community events together
Having strong relationships with friends and family can provide a sense of belonging and increase overall life satisfaction. Additionally, social support can be helpful in times of stress, providing a source of comfort and encouragement.
By making an effort to connect with friends and family regularly, individuals can improve their mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall happiness and life satisfaction.
7. Pursue hobbies or activities you enjoy.
Engaging in enjoyable activities can provide a sense of purpose, increase happiness, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Hobbies and activities can include anything from creative pursuits such as art or music, to sports, to volunteering or community service. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that bring you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Pursuing hobbies or activities can also provide an opportunity to develop new skills, meet new people, and challenge yourself in new ways. It can also be a great way to take a break from the demands of daily life and focus on something that brings you joy.
By incorporating hobbies or activities that you enjoy into your self-care routine, individuals can improve their mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall happiness and life satisfaction.
8. Take time to relax.
There are many ways to relax, such as:
- Reading a book
- Taking a bath or shower
- Listening to music or audio books
- Practicing deep breathing or stretching
- Engaging in a creative activity, such as drawing or painting
- Watching a movie or TV show
It is important to make time for relaxation in your daily routine and to prioritize activities that help you to unwind and recharge. Relaxation can also be incorporated into other aspects of self-care, such as spending time in nature or pursuing hobbies and interests.
By taking time to relax regularly, individuals can reduce stress, improve mood, and support their overall physical and mental health.
9. Pamper yourself with spa treatments.
Spa treatments can include a variety of services, such as:
- Massages
- Facials
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body wraps and scrubs
- Aromatherapy and other relaxation therapies
While spa treatments can be a luxurious way to pamper yourself, it is important to keep in mind that self-care does not have to be expensive or involve luxury products or services. The goal of self-care is to prioritize your own well-being and to engage in activities and habits that support your physical and mental health.
By incorporating spa treatments into your self-care routine, you can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall physical and mental well-being. However, it is important to remember that self-care is a holistic approach that involves a variety of different activities and habits, and that pampering yourself with spa treatments is just one aspect of this approach.
10. Set healthy boundaries with people in your life.
Yes, setting healthy boundaries with people in your life is an important aspect of self-care. Healthy boundaries can help you to maintain your well-being, protect your time and energy, and foster positive relationships with others.
Healthy boundaries can include:
- Saying "no" to commitments or requests that are not in line with your values or priorities
- Prioritizing your own needs and wants
- Being assertive in communicating your needs and expectations to others
- Protecting your time and energy from excessive demands or stressors
- Allowing yourself to rest and recharge
Setting healthy boundaries can be especially important for individuals who have a tendency to put the needs of others before their own, or for those who struggle with stress and burnout. By setting healthy boundaries, you can protect your time and energy, and ensure that you are taking care of yourself in a way that supports your overall health and well-being.
By setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in your relationships, you can improve your mental and emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase overall happiness and life satisfaction.
Why do you need a self-care journal ?
A self-care journal can be a great tool for helping you to reflect on your current state of health, to identify areas in which you need to take better care of yourself, and to help motivate you to make changes in your lifestyle that will lead to improved self-care. It can also be a great way to track your self-care progress, celebrate your successes, and help you stay accountable to your self-care goals.