Self Care Is Essential

Self Care Is Essential

When you read articles about how self care is essential, you may first think of all the things you need to do for others and the mounting duties you have at work and shake your head. However, have you ever considered that not taking care of your self is actually selfish? Self care is a broad term, but for now, we’re going to discuss the type of self care that keeps you healthy. It’s the act of treating yourself with as much compassion and concern as you’d treat others and when you feel your juices draining away and exhaustion about to set in, stepping back from the fray and build up your reserves, rather than going any further.

While your emotions, senses, spirit and social health care are important, your physical self care should also be at the top of your list.

If you’re finding you’re at the brink of a breakdown, stressed to the max and devoid of anything pleasing or satisfying in your life, you’ll eventually react to the stress with depression and total burn out. That’s one reason I put physical self care at the top of the list. Not only are you doing your body a favor when you get adequate sleep, have a healthy diet, workout regularly and avoid harmful habits, you’re helping your other areas, too. Exercise, sleep and all the other things that come with a healthy lifestyle can help burn off the hormones of stress and give you the strength you need to deal with other problems.

How is it selfish to ALWAYS think of others first?

Seriously, it may seem like a noble gesture, but there’s nobody but you that’s more qualified to take care of your body. If you don’t do it, nobody will. That can lead to serious conditions that REQUIRE others to take care of you and you won’t be able to continue the care of others, work at your job or do all the great things you’re doing now. Exercise doesn’t have to be just going to the gym. You can do things that make you happy, like bike riding, dancing or walking. Eating healthy can also mean eating food that tastes delicious. Getting adequate sleep just makes sense if you want to perform all the tasks for the next day.

Learn to love yourself.

Self-care equals self-love. That helps you feel positive, reduces stress, helps you manage your life and also aids in being the most productive. It builds self-esteem and garners respect from others. Once you love yourself, you’ll do a better job of loving others.

  • When you do too much for others, you don’t allow them to grow. You can assign tasks to children that will help them grow and mature, while it frees time for your needs.
  • Taking care of yourself also extends to the health of others. Living an active lifestyle and eating healthy are lessons by example to pass on to your children and spouse.
  • You can use small blocks of time to exercise each day, rather than trying to fit it all in at once. For instance, three 10 to 15 minutes of exercise is just as good as one 30 to 45 minute session.
  • Rather than trying to push through and getting everything done in one excruciatingly long session, take a break occasionally. You need to get up and walk around for five minutes ever hour for heart health and boosts productive.