The importance of self-care
Published:Wednesday | July 3, 2024 | 12:06 AM
SELF-CARE DOES not have to cost anything. It is just doing things you enjoy and many of the things we enjoy or feel fulfilled from cost nothing. Stepping outside and taking a deep breath, for example, might be the greatest act of self-care. Even if you cannot spend lots of time and money, you can still practise self-care several times a week by turning things you do every day into self-care practices.
According to Dr Rivane Chybar Virgo, medical doctor and health and wellness coach, self-care requires checking in with yourself and asking yourself how you are doing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“Some people use it to deal with difficult news stories, while others practise self-care just to maintain their happiness day to day. Self-care does not mean the same thing for everyone. Different people will adopt different self-care practices, and even your own definition might change over time,” Chybar Virgo said.
Below are some steps Dr Chybar Virgo recommends that everyone can take to prioritise self-care:
• Eat a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, seafood and nuts to improve energy and focus throughout the day.
• Drink at least 60-62 ounces of water daily, and increase water intake during the summer. Limit caffeinated beverages such as sodas and coffee, and limit alcoholic beverages.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Walking daily helps improve one’s mood and health. Small amounts of movement add up.
• Schedule time in each day for relaxing and stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, listening to music, journaling, or trying out new hobbies that one can enjoy by themselves or with others. Hobbies can help keep the mind busy and are a great way to learn a new skill.
• Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Avoid looking at phones or computers before bedtime since blue light from screens makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Violent movies and upsetting news before bed should be avoided; turn to uplifting books or influential podcasts instead.
• Build strong relationships with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities that provide an opportunity to meet new people such as classes and support groups. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
• Seek help from a healthcare provider to get connected with counsellors and other resources if you are experiencing distressing symptoms or your efforts at self-care are not helping.
Self-care activities should leave one feeling relaxed, energised and refreshed. If certain activities cause one to feel more depleted, it is time to try a different approach. By establishing good daily habits for self-care, everyone can learn the signs that indicate they may need more attention to self-care when stressors start to pile up.