Yesterday, I had no desire to go swimming. I knew it would be a fantastic idea because I get more energy and a happier attitude when I swim. I was not feeling the best.
Nevertheless, I’m glad I did go swimming. My body felt stronger and my thoughts clearer as I walked out of the gym. The best self-care practices don’t necessarily feel indulgent and enjoyable, but we do them anyway.
What is the practice of self-care?
According to Chicago-based certified clinical professional counselor and couples and family therapist Anne Appel, “self-care is often misperceived as bubble baths and face masks or shopping to ‘treat yourself.'” Developing a consistent self-care practice involves more micro-actions for improved physical and mental well-being, even though occasional events can temporarily boost our well-being due to dopamine.
In actuality, various people will interpret self-care in different ways. A lot of it is determined by what is practical and accessible for you, your way of life, and your job. Self-care doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t) overcomplicate your life; instead, you should assess your requirements and availability before looking for doable self-care ideas.
These are five approaches to self-care that might be crucial even when they are difficult.
1. Work out
The majority of us believe that working out is “good” for us. However, we are referring to a movement routine here. Our species spent hours exercising every day for centuries in order to get food and finish other daily duties. We are much more low-key today. However, exercise is still necessary. Getting some movement each day is essential, whether it’s by nighttime stretches or regular swims.
2. Engaging in Tough Talk
It’s simple to try to avoid or put off difficult but necessary conversations. But ignoring these conversations can have a devastating effect on relationships. It’s possible for a relationship problem that seemed manageable at first to grow into something far bigger. We are more likely to be able to settle disputes and improve our connections if we can have these discussions as soon as possible.
3. Acknowledging the Things We’d Rather Not Say
It is common for people to deceive themselves. We are all fallible when it comes to being honest with ourselves, no matter how hard we try. But our worries and feelings of shame over what we don’t address only get heavier with time. Spending time introspectively and occasionally in therapy to confront these issues can be both difficult and freeing.
4. Completing the Tasks We Didn’t Feel Like Completing
It’s important to occasionally take a break from work. That said, it’s just as important to revisit these projects. The relief that comes from calling the IRS afterward can be enormous and help avoid additional stress, even though it may sound like a nightmare at the time.
5. Taking a shower
“How is showering a tough self-care activity?” one may ask. However, even seemingly simple everyday tasks like taking a shower can be challenging while dealing with depression, sorrow, or other trying periods in life.
Many people use temporary fixes like dry shampoo and baby wipes in place of these. These makeshift replacements have their proper place. However, the relief that comes from setting aside some time for actual showering and other forms of physical self-care can be priceless.
Advantages of self-care activities
Maintaining your physical and emotional well-being has a beneficial knock-on impact that improves both your personal and professional life. The more you prioritize taking care of yourself, the more you can do.
Deborah Gilman, PhD, a licensed psychologist with expertise in child development, trauma, and parenting, states that there are numerous advantages to practising frequent self-care. First of all, it lowers stress levels by enabling you to relax and rejuvenate, strengthening your ability to bounce back from setbacks in life.
Other advantages of self-care, according to Gilman, are as follows:
- Increased self-knowledge and attentiveness. You can gain a deeper comprehension of your feelings, ideas, and needs by accomplishing this.Â
- Enhanced bodily well-being. Developing healthy eating habits, scheduling time for exercise, and getting enough sleep are all examples of self-care practices that support and nourish your body and mind.
- Stronger bonds amongst people. You can better support your friends, family, and coworkers when you look after yourself.
Gilman urges her clients to view self-care as “an act of self-respect and self-compassion.” Self-care is commonly misunderstood or associated with selfishness. Additionally, when you take care of your relationship with yourself, those around you will benefit as well.
To sum up
A day at the beach or a trip to the salon can sometimes serve as self-care. At other times, it’s a trip to the bank and a chat we’ve been putting off. Self-care is more than just doing things that make us feel good right away; it also includes doing things that keep our physical, mental, social, financial, and spiritual well-being intact.
In a similar vein, our daily activities can differ greatly for someone who is experiencing depression or loss. Sometimes self-care is walking a single lap around the block or taking a shower. A long-term path to general well-being includes figuring out what we need and knowing when to give ourselves a break.
(Tashia Bernardus)