The #SelfCare movement has been growing more and more throughout the years on social media but
what is it about, and why is it so important? Self-care is exactly what the words pertain to: taking care of
yourself, but it goes deeper than caring for the physical form. A healthy body partnered with a sound
mind and vibrant soul is ideal for a harmonious life.
Self-care can be different for every individual so it’s essential for you to be aware of yourself: your
moods and energy levels, your strengths and weaknesses, what makes you feel good, what you don’t
tolerate, your characteristics that are applauded for and those that you think need improvement, so
that you can create a specific self-care routine that caters to your needs.
It’s easy to lose time for self-care, you could be too busy juggling home and family life to squeeze in
some me-time. Make sure to allow a few hours each week for yourself. You deserve a break, especially if
you work in a stressful environment. It isn’t always an easy job to keep yourself in check, it might even
be boring at times. Creating a routine will help you maintain self-care even with your hectic or mundane
schedule.
Here are a few important things you should factor into your routine:
1. Sleep – Having the right amount of sleep every night is very crucial to gain optimal function
throughout the day. Adults are recommended to have at least 6-8 hours of sleep. Your body uses this
time to release hormones that help regenerate cells, strengthen the immune system, and improve
cardiovascular health. Not only does a good night’s sleep keep you physically healthy, but it also enhances
cognition, concentration, mood stability, and overall productivity.
2. Diet – The saying goes, “You are what you eat”, and this couldn’t be truer. Food is fuel. Having a
balanced diet helps you nourish yourself properly, therefore, anticipating your body’s needs in terms of
energy and resistance. Everyday consumption of fruits and vegetables along with a healthy amount of
water can do wonders for your skin, hair, nails, and even bowel movement!
3. Physical activity – Being active is a must to stay fit but your workouts don’t need to be a complete
sweat to count! Simple actions like walking an extra block to get your morning coffee or skipping the
elevator at work are some ways to incorporate more activity into your life.
4. Creativity – Being in touch with your creative side helps foster healthy emotions towards yourself.
Engaging in a craft encourages self-expression and provides opportunities to learn new ways of critical
thinking and problem-solving. Art is also therapeutic, may it be making your own or by simply
appreciating something that brings you positive feelings.
5. Relaxation – Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of yourself: your physical, emotional, and
mental state. Being mindful means you are intentionally tuning into your surrounding, thoughts,
emotions, and bodily sensations which helps keep you grounded in the present moment. Some other
ways you can relax are through meditation, breathwork, and massage.
Your body is your temple, where you live resonates with how you view and experience the world. When
you start prioritizing taking care of yourself, you will begin to notice that you have a more positive
outlook on work, relationships, and life in general. Consider making some me-time and have a Mandara
massage scheduled today.
