There is a big buzz nowadays around “self-care”, rightly, I believe. Self-care used to be regarded as a selfish action -especially if you are a woman- but also as a privilege.
But self-care is a glorious act of self-love unrelated to any particular socioeconomic level. Self-care translates into nurturing your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health to live a better life.
Self-care is a deed of self-love, respect and appreciation of yourself, which happens consistently and unselfishly. The saying me, myself and I celebrate the ultimate fact that acknowledging the importance of taking care of myself is a wonderful and probably the only way to live a meaningful life. A life where I can genuinely offer free from egotistical and self-centred purposes.
Amongst all the celebrated advantages of self-care, fighting stress is one of them. In fact, it is an antidote to stress, which prevails nowadays due to social media, ceaseless notifications for everything that needs doing, work, poor sleep, loneliness or social pressure to be a certain way.
This unproductive stress wears us down, numbs us and generates feelings of disappointment, dissatisfaction, discontentment, and perpetual and exhausting restlessness. A gigantic sigh follows us wherever we go. A lack of purpose and meaning accompany our life.
Self-care, though, is the key to a better life. And the only person in charge of it is you. Do not expect anyone else to care for you genuinely and unconditionally but yourself. So start caring for yourself now.
What does self-care look like?
Self-care is a personal matter; therefore, it can take different forms according to individual needs and beliefs.
Check-in with yourself
Ask yourself important questions.
What is it that truly stresses you?
What part can you control, and what is outside your control sphere?
What can you change and how?
What should you do more of and less of?
Focus on everyday routines
Do not underestimate the significance of the little daily rituals. Routine means consistency. These little acts of self-care fuel our days and give us a pat on the shoulder to continue the hard work.
Start your day with a glass of water and stretch your arms above your head.
Make your bed.
Take time to eat your breakfast, drink your coffee or tea, and get yourself ready for the day.
Go for a walk during your work break. Move your body.
Exercise even for ten minutes.
Call your best friend.
Have one warm meal at least once per day and drink lots of water and green tea with jasmine.
Enjoy a hot shower or bath.
Go to bed early, even if you are not sleepy. Read your favourite book or solve some crosswords.
Minimise time on social media, a large stress generator.
Socialise
Set time aside to meet up with beloved friends or family. You do not have to be a party animal and stay out or up until late to maintain a social network. Concentrate on the quality of the meet-ups and not the quantity. Make the right decisions about the people you choose to surround you in your free time.
Set boundaries
Boundaries protect us from harmful behaviours and actions. Set your own boundaries at work, in social circles, family and personal life. Remind yourself that you can always say NO politely but firmly and move away from anything and anyone that hurts you physically, psychologically or mentally. By defining your limits, you set the ground for self-confidence and self-respect.
Be kind to yourself and keep away from guilts
Self-care is not related to achieving perfection in our appearance, behaviour or actions. Perfection is a term made to create stress and pressure. You are not perfect; no one is and never will be. So, if your goal is perfection, you are up for disappointment and failure.
Of course, you can choose to live a life in guilt by setting unrealistic standards and constantly comparing yourself to others. Or you can dwell on a failure and waste energy by reminiscing the past.
But is this what you really want? Probably not. So make a conscious effort to be friendly, smooth and kind to yourself. Acknowledge the negative feelings but celebrate small achievements and treat yourself. Reflect on your mistakes and practices and set the next reasonable goal.
It’s not worth crying over spilt milk.
Self-care is the gift we offer ourselves daily. Self-care is the action of investing in and equipping yourself with the right tools to live a better life. It cannot guarantee a stress-free life, but self-care can provide the means to successfully control and manage stressful situations while keeping your energy tanks full.
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