Self-care – you hear it so much but not sure how to really define it. The term is often connected to images of a spa day, a pedicure, or a bubble bath. The truth is, it’s so much more than that. Self-care is also the small, simple things in life that people often overlook.
It can be sipping your freshly brewed coffee while enjoying a quiet morning everyday. Or maybe going out to monthly dinners with your best friend. Watching your favorite shows and movies. Reading a great book before sleeping. Exploring new hobbies. Or maybe it’s taking an afternoon off to relax.
Whatever it may be, self-care is an important part of your well-being. It’s something you need to do for yourself.
It’s not selfish. It makes you happy.
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. (Well, maybe a little, but in a good way.) Self-care is a must to live a happy life. Being happy isn't just about feeling good—it is about feeling good about yourself. But happiness does not happen overnight either. You need to take small steps until you reach that goal. When you take care of yourself better, your physical, emotional, and mental health improves. That’s one key to a happy, fulfilling life.
By taking care of yourself, you become healthier.
A healthy body not only feels good, it improves your quality of life. Being healthy is not just about losing weight, gaining muscles, and having a slim waistline. It also means taking care of yourself – eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep. And it all starts with small changes and smart decisions to achieve a healthier lifestyle. You become healthy by taking care of yourself.
Self-care reduces stress.
You can’t avoid stress. But when stress gets out of control, it can be overwhelming. You live in a fast-paced world and many of us work long, stressful hours. The constant pressure wears you down, causing you to become irritable, unhappy, and anxious. It disrupts your daily life – you can’t stay focused, you’re always not in the mood, and worse, it can lead to serious physical, mental, and emotional problems. But did you know that self-care is actually scientifically proven to relieve stress and improve your mood? And you don’t need a gym membership—a simple daily walk outside can do wonders. You don’t need expensive things for self-care. You don’t even have to leave the house to relieve stress.
A little self-care increases productivity.
In today’s busy world, we're constantly on the go, trying to make our lives better and more efficient. But what happens when you're not always at your best and you find yourself feeling a little stressed?
Productivity can be tricky and we have different ideas and ways on how to achieve it. One thing is for sure: taking time out for yourself will help you become more productive. When you prioritize self-care, you give yourself the opportunity to make the most of your days, be the best version of yourself, and feel more inspired to accomplish more.
There is no doubt that taking care of yourself will make you feel better, happier, and healthier, and many of us have good intentions when it comes to self-care. But in our busy lives, it is often easy to forget our own needs before those of others. Why do we always forget to put ourselves last? You rarely treat yourself to things you know you deserve and would make you happy.
Maybe most of your time and attention is devoted to taking care of your children, your friends, or your spouse. And while this brings joy in your life, it can leave you feeling empty and unhappy. Self-care is an act of self-love. Do it.