Self-Care: A Journey to Thrive, Shine, and Enjoy Life
The key concept of self-care is that individuals are proactive in managing all aspects of their health—mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Authors: Anupama Jithesh, Dr. Sohaila Cheema, Dr. Karima Chaabna
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care “as the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote their own health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness with or without the support of a health or care worker.” In simple words, it means caring for and managing one’s health. Self-care consists of interventions and actions. Interventions are evidence-based quality tools for self-care, like medicines, face masks, and diagnostic tools. Actions for self-care consist of behaviors, practices, habits, and lifestyle choices.
The key concept of self-care is that individuals are proactive in managing all aspects of their health—mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.
Self-Care Tips for Physical Wellbeing
Self-care practices are essential to enhance physical health, boost energy levels, and strengthen the immune system.
- Exercise and engage in regular physical activity:Engage in at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, like walking and swimming, to boost your mood and improve your health—even small amounts of exercise help.
- Eat healthy:Include a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your daily diet to improve energy and maintain focus throughout the day. Drink water to stay hydrated.
Self-Care Tips for Mental Wellbeing
Self-care supports mental health by reducing stress, improving concentration and focus, enhancing engagement with the mind, and boosting self-confidence.
- Relax your mind: Schedule regular times for wellness that incorporate meditation, yoga, enjoying nature, or breathing exercises to calm the mind. Take regular breaks from social media, technology, and devices.
- Prioritize sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours each night. Limit exposure to blue light emitted by devices and screens before bedtime, as it can hinder falling asleep.
- Set goals and boundaries:Decide what must get done now and what can wait. If you start feeling overwhelmed, learn to say “no” to new tasks. Set boundaries and appreciate all that was accomplished at the end of each day.
- Continue learning: Stimulate the brain by learning something new. Read a book, engage in low-stress hobbies, or take an online course.
- Practice gratitude: Take time to acknowledge and appreciate the things you are grateful for. Write them down in a journal or replay them in your mind.
Self-Care Tips for Emotional Wellbeing
Emotional self-care aids in recognizing and managing emotions. It assists in navigating feelings, enhancing empathy, and developing coping mechanisms to deal with challenging situations.
- Express your emotions: Speak to a trusted friend or use art as a medium to express yourself.
- Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and forgiving when you make mistakes.
- Positive affirmations: Challenge negative and unhelpful thoughts with positive statements. This helps overcome negative thinking and leads to a stronger sense of self-worth.
- Stay connected:Nurture relationships with family and friends by staying in touch and meeting up regularly. Reach out to them for emotional support when needed.
- Nurture your soul: Contribute to the wellbeing of others through volunteering, community service, or helping those in need. This sense of collective wellbeing is interconnected to individual wellbeing, instilling a deeper sense of purpose in life.
Prioritizing self-care may seem like common sense, but it can be challenging due to our family obligations, work commitments, and busy social life. However, when we care for ourselves, we have more energy and patience to care for others, leading to healthier and more fulfilling relationships. It also enhances productivity and creativity by preventing burnout and maintaining high energy levels. Self-care is about maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself to stay balanced, energized, and resilient. So, prioritize self-care and create a self-care plan to thrive, shine, and enjoy life.
Sources:
World Health Organization | Southern New Hampshire University | National Institute of Mental Health
Editing: Julietta Mirghani