Importance of Self-Care: It’s not Selfish, it’s necessary
“Self-Care” has become a buzzword that is often accompanied by an eye roll. But do we really know what it means to engage in self-care? Is this just another crunchy phrase to describe the newest self-indulgent trend? Or is there actually something worth knowing about this concept of taking care of ourselves?
The Opposite of Self-Care
We live in a culture that rewards hard work and self-sacrifice. We are given accolades for putting in extra time to complete a project and working on weekends, we are celebrated for always being “on” and available, and we wear our exhaustion like a badge of honor. But to what end are we striving? There will always be more work, more chores, more “to-do’s”. What about our health, our relationships, our quality of life?
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is an essential skill and practice that helps mitigate the effects of chronic stress and burnout. If we are continuously giving ourselves to others without taking the time to replenish our own reserves, we will absolutely experience burnout. It can show up as a wide range of problems, such as chronic headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or just a constant feeling of being stressed out.
Self-Care for Wellbeing
So what is self-care? It’s quite simple, really. Self-care is doing anything that brings you joy, replenishes your reserves, regulates your system, and positively contributes to your overall health and well-being. It can be something that energizes you or something that calms you down. It can be as big or as small as it needs to be. It doesn’t have to take up any time or cost anything. It’s different for everyone, and can differ for us individually depending on the day, the situation, or the moment.
Self-Care Practices
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to self-care. For some of us, it can mean taking a walk, calling a friend, getting a haircut, or eating a healthy meal. For others, it can look like spending an entire Saturday in our pajamas, taking a social media sabbatical, reading a good book, or taking the cliched but oh-so-lovely bubble bath. Self-care can also include doing less. It can mean saying “no thanks” to an invitation, politely turning down an offer to work on an extra project, or giving yourself permission to skip the chores this weekend. It really just depends on: 1) What you need, and 2) What brings you joy.
The Take-Away: The Importance of Practicing Self-Care
Self-care refers to intentional actions and practices undertaken to promote and prioritize one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves engaging in activities that nourish and recharge oneself as well as setting boundaries to maintain a healthy balance in life.
Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or time consuming. It isn’t selfish or pseudo-science. It is a necessary component for health, happiness, and well-being. So take a little time to check in with yourself, ask “what do I need right now?” and give yourself permission to do (or not do) whatever that may be.
