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Self Care: Make Yourself A Priority
Hello Dope Souls and REAL Ones,
Welcome to Mental Health Monday. This week is about “Self Care”. Everywhere we turn, someone seems to be talking about it. But what exactly does Self Care mean? And why is it so important? It's crucial that we understand what Self Care means and why it’s essential for us all.
Have you ever felt life is too overwhelming and there's not enough time in the day to take care of yourself? Well please know, you’re not alone. It’s easy to prioritize work, family, friends, and other responsibilities over your own needs. However, neglecting Self Care can seriously affect your mental health and overall well-being. Taking care of yourself should be considered as important as any other task on your to-do list. Neglecting yourself can lead to burnout, stress, and physical health problems. Many people overlook self care in their daily lives, either because they feel guilty for prioritizing themselves over others or because they are simply unaware of its importance.
Think about this for a minute:
When's the last time to took a break to unwind?
How much did you smile or laugh today?
When was the last time you took a day to yourself?
If you're more of a visual person, then watch the video above to get an understanding of why Self Care is important and how to identify your Self Care needs.
What Is Self Care And Why Is It Important?
Self Care simply means taking care of yourself - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. It involves prioritizing your well-being and making choices that promote positive health outcomes. This also means prioritizing activities like exercise, healthy eating habits, meditation or mindfulness practices, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
But why is Self Care so important? Simply put - it allows us to recharge our batteries so we can show up fully present in all areas of our lives. It's not just about pampering yourself (although there's nothing wrong with that!), but rather doing things that nourish your mind, body, and soul. By making time for activities like exercise, meditation, reading, or even just taking a relaxing bath, we're able to recharge our batteries and tackle whatever challenges come our way.
Studies show implementing a Self Care routine in your life:
Increases your productivity and happiness
Increases self awareness
Reduces stress and anxiety levels
Improves physical health by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension
Boosts your immune system
Teaches you how to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively
Helps us develop stronger relationships with ourselves and those around us
And, teaches us how to love ourselves unconditionally.
Identifying Your Self Care Needs
Self care is crucial for our overall well-being, but it's not always easy to know what we need. Identifying your self care needs can be a challenge, especially if you're not used to prioritizing yourself. However, taking the time to figure out what works best for you can make all the difference in creating a daily routine that supports your mental and physical health. This goes back to “Self Reflecting”
Start by reflecting on how you feel throughout the day. Do certain activities leave you feeling energized or drained? Are there times of day when you tend to feel more stressed or anxious? Paying attention to these patterns can help you identify areas where self care might be particularly beneficial.
Another way to pinpoint your self care needs is to think about what brings you joy and relaxation. Maybe it's reading a good book, taking a long bath, or spending time outside in nature. Whatever it is, make sure to incorporate those activities into your daily routine as much as possible.
Finally, don't forget about basic self care practices like eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. These habits may seem simple, but they have a big impact on how we feel both physically and mentally.
Identifying your self care needs will take some effort, but it's worth it in the end. Once you know what makes you feel good and supported, you can begin creating a self care plan that fits seamlessly into your life. With this foundation in place, you'll be better equipped to handle whatever challenges come your way with grace and resilience.
Creating A Self Care Plan
According to a recent study, only 15% of adults prioritize self care in their daily lives. This is concerning because taking care of ourselves should be an essential part of our routine. Creating a self care plan can help us make it happen.
When creating a Self Care Plan:
First, identify what activities or practices bring you joy and relaxation.
It could be as simple as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or going for a walk in nature. The key is to choose things that make you feel good about yourself and your life.
Once you have identified your self care needs, it's time to create a plan that works for you. Start by scheduling certain times during the day or week to engage in these activities. Make sure they are realistic and achievable so that you don't end up feeling overwhelmed or guilty if you miss them.
Another important aspect of creating a self care plan is “Setting Boundaries”. Learn to say no when it's necessary and prioritize yourself over others' demands on your time and energy. We talked about setting boundaries last week.
Incorporating mindfulness into your self care plan can also be beneficial. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment or distraction. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. I'll touch more on mindfulness next week.
Remember that creating a self care plan takes effort and commitment but will ultimately lead to greater happiness and well-being. By prioritizing yourself, you are better equipped to take on challenges and support others around you.
Practicing Self Care
Practicing self care is a crucial aspect of maintaining your mental and physical health. It involves making intentional choices to prioritize yourself and your well-being, even if that means saying no or setting boundaries with others.
One way to practice self care is by prioritizing rest and relaxation. This may mean taking breaks throughout the day, getting enough sleep at night, or scheduling time for activities that bring you joy and help you unwind.
Another important component of self care is nourishing your body with healthy food and exercise. Eating well-balanced meals and staying active can improve not only your physical health but also your mood and energy levels. Plus, taking care of your body can boost your confidence and sense of empowerment.
Self care also encompasses seeking out support when needed. Whether it's talking to a friend or therapist about what you're going through or reaching out for professional help with managing stress or mental health concerns, recognizing when you need assistance is an act of kindness towards yourself.
By practicing self care regularly, you are investing in yourself and creating habits that will benefit you both now and in the future. Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary for living a fulfilling life. So take some time today to do something kind for yourself - whether that's taking a bubble bath, going for a walk outside, or simply enjoying a cup of tea without distractions. You deserve it!
It's time to prioritize ourselves and give us the love and attention we deserve. By identifying our self care needs, creating a plan, practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and actually following through with these actions, we can become happier and healthier individuals.
One metaphor that comes to mind when thinking about self care is the oxygen mask on an airplane. In case of emergency, flight attendants always remind passengers to put their own masks on before assisting others. Similarly, we must take care of ourselves in order to show up as our best selves for those around us. So let's all make sure we are putting on our oxygen masks first by incorporating some form of self care into our daily routines
Don't let yourself burn out or feel overwhelmed by life's demands any longer. Take the time to invest in yourself because when you do, everything else falls into place. Stop taking care of everything and everyone else but yourself. It’s time to take care of you. You got this, I believe in you! You matter!
Worksheets
Click the button below to go to your weekly worksheets. You can print them off or you can write your responses in a journal, notebook, or on loose-leaf paper.
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