While International Self-Care Day is around the corner, make yourself feel special with these 7 self-care ideas. Self-care is a necessity, and there are numerous ways to nourish yourself. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to prioritise ourselves to boost our well-being.
What experts like Zishan Khan, MD, a psychiatrist with MindPath Health based in Frisco, Texas, have to say about self-care is that he truly believes ‘’ self-care is often misunderstood as indulgence or selfishness. Still, in reality, it is an essential practice for mental and Physical well-being.’’
The month of July marks the beginning of the monsoon: rain and rainbows amid the beauty of the monsoon, it’s crucial to prioritise self-care.
Understanding the Importance of Self-care
Self-care is a necessity for your well-being. It is often considered a luxury, but it isn’t just bubble baths and mindfulness. The term ‘’ self-care is often misused in our world; it means everything that improves areas of your wellness.
We often live in a culture that glorifies the hustle mentality, overachievement, and perfectionism, but in reality, that leads to a lot of stress and burnout, says Dr Rooseina Britton, a licensed counsellor and a clinical Faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University.
The Benefits of Self-care
Stress reduction: Engaging in self-care can be very beneficial in Stress management and the body’s ability to cope with daily challenges.
Improves Physical Health: Engaging in self-care activities regularly can help prevent illness and build a foundation for a healthy body.
Improves Mental Well-being: Self-care can be very beneficial for your mental health and gives you peace of mind. Practice mindfulness for anxiety relief.
Improves Emotional Well-being: Journaling to express your thoughts and process your emotions.
Improves Social Well-being: Connecting with loved ones and maintaining and nurturing relationships is the key to your wellness.
Count your Blessings
Being grateful for what you have is the first step towards being happy. Science shows that being content boosts happiness and positive emotions. People who acknowledge and express gratitude daily have good sleep and less depression and anxiety. A recent study found that jotting down things you’re grateful for can be a saviour for stress management. Gratitude journaling can do wonders. It is a powerful self-care technique to live a happy and contented life. It also fosters a positive outlook.
Pro tip: Make a habit of expressing gratitude to others; A simple thank you paragraph can make a difference.
Practice Mindfulness
Live in the moment! Try focusing on your breath and incorporating a mindful diet into your lifestyle. You can also opt for body scan meditations and gratitude journaling. Setting boundaries and building connections with others are also important key aspects of mindfulness. Practice listening or Mindful listening and pay utmost attention to what others are saying without interrupting and judging them.
Pro tip: Guided meditations work wonders!
Prioritize Sleep
When it comes to a self-care routine, Sleep is the priority! It is the topmost way to prioritise our mental health. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and prioritising good sleep hygiene. Sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Limit screen time before bed and avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed.
Pro tip: Ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet and experience the benefits of a good night’s rest.
Create a daily ritual
Daniela Wolfe, a licensed master social worker with Best D Life, a coaching practice in Buffalo, New York, emphasizes the need for following self-care practices. People often neglect self-care practices regularly. They might put it on their schedule for an hour on weekends, but a self-care routine is unattainable to fit on a daily basis. But you can include at least some daily rituals for a fulfilled life, like digital detox, evening reflection and reading for pleasure.
Pro tip– Daily rituals like digital detox, natural walk or evening reflection are advised for a better and healthier lifestyle.
Do Yoga
Evidently, Yoga relaxes and loosens the body and eases your mind. Just 10 minutes of yoga in a mindful way can reduce anxiety and depression. Although a full-fledged workout is amazing, stretching your body even for a few seconds can do wonders. Yoga can help in fostering introspection and emotional resilience. Yoga fosters mindfulness and can be very beneficial if you include it in your daily routine.
Get creative
Sometimes, engaging in creativity is the break that you need. Studies show that doing what makes you happy boosts the overall well-being of an individual. Hobbies help you avoid procrastination. Being creative is a simple activity that can be rewarding for your brain. Just go for a walk or dance, paint, or sing your favorite song can be a delightful experience.
Also read,
4 Self-Care Sunday Ideas That Will Fill You Up With Joy And Serenity
Try Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has its roots in several cultures and is regarded as a form of Self-care. It works because of the effects of essential oils on our nervous systems. It releases feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. It enhances mood, reduces stress and improves the quality of sleep and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Pro tip: Try different varieties of candles like vanilla lavender and essential oils like rosemary and experience the heavenly comfort.
This is your sign to prioritise self-care!
Read more:
Self-Care For Better Mental Health : Practical or Tips For Happier Life
