There is a lot of talk about the importance of self care these days. But what is it? Why does it even matter?
Self care, at its very root, involves taking better care of yourself, which is essential for mental and physical purposes. It can really make a positive impact on your life, from helping you to become closer to friends and family, to relieving your stress. Here are some of the top benefits of self care.
It Helps to Relieve Stress
If you are like most people, you probably deal with a lot of stress. I know that I do! This can be stress from your job, financial situation, relationships, other personal reasons, or all of the above! Self care is important for stress relief because it provides activities that help distract you, improve your mood, and help you take better care of yourself. Keep in mind that self care can be anything from taking a bath to going for a walk, so there are tons of options available.
You Can Improve Your Mental Health
In addition to relieving your stress, self care can also help in other aspects of your mental health. Perhaps you have anxiety or depression, and are trying to relax while also figuring out your triggers. Well, things like writing in a journal and walking help you accomplish both. You are able to focus more on your mental health during these activities, so you are practicing self care while actually improving your mental health at the same time.
It Raises Your Self Esteem
Did you know taking better care of yourself can help with your self esteem? Lack of proper self care often causes you to feel bad about yourself, such as from not getting a manicure or pedicure in a while, or not exercising. These types of activities make you feel healthy, fit, and beautiful, which goes a long way with self care. With higher self esteem, you raise your confidence, and that can help boost your mood and help with your stress levels.
You Deserve Some Quality Time
Don’t underestimate the power of having quality time to yourself. There are so many ways to do this, whether you allow yourself some time to meditate in the morning, get up early to have your cup of coffee alone, or have dance parties in the living room with your family. This quality time gives you a short break from your daily life, and can be so wonderful for your self care.
Your Overall Health
We talked about your mental health and how self care can help with this, but what about your general health? What about your physical health? Self care means taking care of yourself when you need it, so there are many different ways to do this, right? As such, taking care of your health when you realize something is wrong is a good way to practice self care, rather than letting yourself suffer the way some people do. If your feet hurt all of the time for example, it might be worth checking out something like The Good Feet Store reviews to get some expert help with this.
Sometimes, self care is the key to sorting out your health generally, not just your mental health.
Try to give yourself at least a few minutes a day to take care of yourself. It will help your stress and other areas of mental health.
Sometimes I just need an “Adult Time Out” and an hour with a good book. What are some of your favorite ways to practice self care?
Marissa McKenna says
Such a great reminder! I wake up every day at least an hour before my four kids get up. I have my coffee and enjoy breakfast in peace before chaos begins. At the end of the day, I sit by myself in silence for a few minutes before going to bed.
Ladonna Dennis Maxwell says
I’m all about relieving stress! I do agree we all need some “me” time. I believe a majority of people fight self-esteem issues on a daily basis, and these tips I feel will aid in helping improve that.
Lisa Favre says
I find it really hard to give myself a few minutes to just relax but I know how important it is for my sanity. I should perhaps practice meditation when I have the time. It’s hard enough to find quality time with my family, let alone with myself – I find we’re always so busy!
Renee @ Getting Fit Fab says
A good book for sure, usually a fire pit and one of my favorite podcasts. Even if I don’t have to go anywhere after work… sometimes I just drive just for a little bit, no one bothering me (besides other drivers), and it’s perfect.
lisa says
What a great post! I really need to start taking some me time, I love a good movie or book. Or just to sit back after a long day and be able to just breath in and out without any worries!
Jenn says
This is something I really need to work on. Like most women, I tend to put myself and my needs last. No more of that! I need to find some time every now and then for some seff care of my own.
Censie Sawyer says
Must be the season of self care talk. I need this! I really want to refocus on how i take care of myself. I usually put everyone else before me and my self care gets forgotten. I will be focusing a lot on this this summer!
JenellBStewart says
I really value self care and I’ve written about it quite a bit. Some of favorite ways to practice self care are working out, manicure and pedicures, reading positive affirmations and spending quiet time alone.
Bites for Foodies says
A second post that I came across today about self-care! I am a firm believer in self-care, and also the fact that a happy mom, is a better mom! 😉
Tiffany Haywood says
Awesome Post! I agree 110% that time with me is the only way I am sane enough to have time with others. It’s a must and when I don’t get it believe me it’s noticeable. Self Care is key!
Natalie says
After everything I’ve been through throughout the last 5 years is the importance of self care. I for one agree that if you take care of yourself, you will think you deserve more and are worth more than you were before hand.