Self-Care Benefits and Healthy Habits

Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.

Self care refuels us and is the key to a balanced life.

Some benefits of self-care:

• More energy

• More inspired and hopeful

• More patience

• Fewer headaches, stomach aches, and other physical symptoms of stress

• Better sleep

• Better choices for healthy food and less urges to eat “comfort” foods

• Avoiding mental health symptoms like depression or anxiety

• Avoiding “burnout”

• Better concentration

• Better relationships with our spouse or partner

• Better performance at work

• More motivation to engage in social activities

Healthy habits to be start practicing for better self-care:

• Create a short “no” list, with things you know you don’t like or you no longer want to do. Learning to say no is one way to de-plug (disconnect) from the things that disrupt our intentions and steal our joy. Examples might include: Not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like, not answering your phone during lunch/dinner.

• Be mindful about what you put into your body. Try to incorporate a more nutritious and healthy diet. Start by reducing meat consumption and increasing plant based food. Increase water intake. Avoid sodas and excessive alcohol.

• If you aren’t doing so already, incorporate a multi-vitamin supplement or B-complex supplement.

• Get enough sleep. Adults usually need 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

• Follow-up with medical care. It is not unusual to all too often put off checkups or visits to the doctor.

• Make a gratitude list

• Spend enough time with your loved ones.

• Look for opportunities to laugh!