Importance Of Self-Care

Self-care is a concept that has recently gained a lot of attention, especially after the pandemic. The fact is simple: Taking care of yourself is very important. With a good amount of self-care a day, or even once a week, you’re more likely to increase resilience, motivation, and even double up your ability to cope with stress.

What we also know of self-care now is that it’s not just about massages, manicures, pedicures, monthly retreats, so on and so forth. Often mistaken for indulgence or excessive pampering, in reality self-care is about making sure you're taking care of yourself—not just physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. It can be as simple as spending time with family or friends who make you feel good or as elaborate as taking time out of your day to meditate or do yoga, and yes even getting a massage!

The thing with self-care is that it isn’t one size fits all. I personally love going through the bookstore and heading home to indulge in my new purchases. What’s important is knowing the type of self-care that satisfies you best. Here are some forms of self-care you can try. Pay attention to how it changes how you feel about yourself!

Emotional self-care
This helps you maintain your emotional well-being and cope with the challenges of life. It involves taking intentional steps to manage your emotions, address negative thoughts and behaviours, and as result, offer a positive outlook. This helps improve mental health, increase resilience, and enhance the overall quality of your life. Regular practice can also prevent burnout and reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions.
Try: Journaling, seeing a therapist, or even as simple as playing music.

Physical self-care
This form of self-care involves taking care of your body through activities such as exercise, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It’s important because it helps maintain physical health, improve energy levels, and in most cases, it boosts immune system function and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Try: Exercising, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated.

Mental self-care
This includes activities that stimulate your mind and test your intellect, like reading, solving puzzles, learning a new skill, or practising mindfulness. It can help improve brain function, increase creativity, and boost your overall mood, as well as relieve stress, prevent boredom, and promote a sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, stimulating the mind can enhance self-awareness and provide a sense of purpose, which then could lead to increased feelings of happiness and fulfilment.
Try: Reading a book, museum trips, or playing a game of chess.

Social self-care
Social self care involves maintaining and nurturing relationships with others, as well as engaging in activities that bring joy and a sense of connection. Spending time with loved ones, participating in social activities, volunteering, or engaging in hobbies with others are great examples. It’s important because it contributes to overall well-being by providing a sense of belonging that can help improve mood, reduce stress, and increase resilience. Sometimes, surrounding yourself with people who care can provide support during difficult times, and help you feel valued and appreciated.
Try: Brunch with friends on weekends, going on dates, calling up your parents regularly.

Spiritual self-care
Spiritual self care involves connecting with your inner self, values, and beliefs, and seeking a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it. It can involve practices such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or engaging in spiritual rituals and traditions. This form of self-care is important because it contributes to overall well-being by providing a sense of meaning, purpose, and inner peace, as well as help you find comfort in difficult times.
Try: Yoga, meditation, being in nature or visiting your place of worship.

What is your preferred form of self-care? Let us know @Graduan.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.