Self-care is care provided “for you, by you.” It’s about identifying what makes you feel good and taking the time to do the activities that nurture you.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is about tuning in to you and finding out how you’re feeling. You’re using time during your day to do the things that make you feel good. It’s not about ticking something off your to-do list, or doing things that you ‘need’ to do, you’re just partaking in activities that improve your mood and make you happier.
Self-care is a daily activity and you can incorporate it into your routine no matter how busy you are. It is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and it is essential.
Why Is Self-Care Important?
Self-care is important. Super important! For you and those around you. It needs to be a priority for all of us. Here are three important reasons why.
Firstly, when you take care of yourself, you send yourself (and your nervous system) a message of safety and security. The problem with modern life is it doesn’t always make you feel at ease. With commitments, pressures, fears, anxieties. When we do something to take care of ourselves, we slow down. We’re kinder to ourselves.
Secondly, self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. It produces positive feelings, which improves confidence and self-esteem. With self-worth, you feel stronger and more able to handle whatever the future brings. You can do this because you feel good about yourself as a person.
Thirdly, it’s necessary for taking care of others. As smiles are contagious, so is stress. If you’re feeling good, a calm and happy you radiates good to those around you.
Simple Self-Care Activities For A Healthy Mind, Body And Soul
Start by asking yourself, “What would make me feel good right now?” and then you’ll be able to decide the best self-care activity for that moment in time. Here are some simple self-care activities.
- Nourish your social life
- Make time for relaxation
- Treat yourself to a spa day
- Write down what you’re grateful for
- Digital detox
- Do something creative
- Practice mindfulness
- Meditate
- Eat something delicious and healthy
- Go for a walk
A moment for self-care every day, just for you, can make a huge change to your wellbeing. You’ve got to nourish to flourish!
Written by Flora Firth
Instagram: @feelgoodflora
Twitter: @feelgoodflora
Facebook: @feelgoodflora
About The Author
Flora Firth
Flora is on her wellness journey and hopes to encourage you to join her. She’s proud to be voicing the importance of mind health in a world where we’re striving for unrealistic perfection.