The importance of self-care
Self-care is often linked with being selfish—this is not true. Self-care means that you are taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is the key to supporting your overall wellbeing as well as improving your mood and reducing levels of stress. Without self-care, you may find it difficult to adapt to changes that occur in your life.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Some methods will feel good for you while others may not be the right fit.
Some options can include:
- Practising deep breathing
- Going for routine walks—this could look like a 10-minute or a 1 hour walk. It is your choice to decide
- Keeping yourself hydrated—aim for 80z glasses per day
- Practising good sleep hygiene—try to get 7–9 hours of rest per night
Remember, you don’t have to add a lot of change to your life right now to make a difference. Try new strategies and add them to your routine. If you start to feel overwhelmed, you can stop at any time and try something different. By taking care of yourself, you are more likely to be happier and able to better cope with changes that come your way.
You could even schedule a dedicated time to practise self-care as these moments will help you to listen to and fulfil your mental and emotional needs.