Self-Care

When you get on a plane, one of the first things that happen before take-off is the safety announcement or video, it says that in the case where the oxygen masks come out, to put on yours first, before you help anyone else.  This is a prime example of self-care. If you starve yourself of oxygen, you will not be able to help anyone.

The world is so busy now and we are bombarded 24/7 with technology, how do we find the time to fit in a bit of self-care?  What is self-care?

Self-care simply means taking some time out for yourself. It is how you support yourself during stressful times. It can take the form of exercise, journalling or just moments spent on your own with a cuppa and a favourite book.

I know that exercise is not for everyone, and that is ok!  For those that enjoy exercise, it has been proven to reduce stress, improve your mood and it promotes overall well-being.

For those that would prefer anything other than exercise as their route to self-care, journaling, mindfulness and meditation are very useful. Journaling can help you to process your experiences and help you understand any associated emotions.  Mindfulness can help you manage stress and can increase emotional regulation, the same goes for meditation.

There are other ways to practice self-care, such as setting boundaries, having a hobby that you enjoy and building connections with people. Healthy relationships are important for emotional resilience.

Another way to practice self-care is to spend time in nature, go for a walk in your local park or go on a hike, nature has a healing effect on the body and also your mind.

Lastly, taking a break from social media and technology can really benefit a person’s mental and physical health.

So, take the time to spend with yourself, get to know who you really are, because you are worth it!