If there was ever a more popular word these days than self-care, then we haven’t heard of it. The concept of self-care originated with the more radical, revolutionary aspects of the counterculture when activists espoused taking care of themselves as a necessary step towards eventually consolidating power. With the global upheaval of recent years, self-care was not just mainstream, it also became a heavily capitalized part of everyday life that is specially marketed towards the feminine, “millennial pink” loving segments of the population. But strip away the empty jargon and glut of shiny products, and self-care remains a radical form of self-love that can put you on an incredible journey of personal development.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can practice self-care to ensure your overall holistic development, then the following tips are for you. Take a break from the inevitable burnout of our “hustle” culture, and start prioritizing your mental and physical health with the following guide.
Look into Therapy
Therapy isn’t necessarily for those who feel especially depressed or suffer from a debilitating mental health crisis. If you feel overwhelmed, suffer from anxiety, get panic attacks from time to time, have low self-esteem, or deal with any other issue that impacts your mental and emotional wellbeing, then it would behoove you to find a good therapist. Even if you meet this professional once or twice a month, you will learn important skills that will help you combat these negative feelings that affect your sense of self-worth or impinge on your capacity to produce good work. Besides, it’s always good to have a safe space wherein you can work out sensitive issues with proper support without feeling judged or extra vulnerable. Better than anything you can buy at your local gift shop, therapy is the ultimate form of self-care.
Exercise
Physical activity is a wonderful antidote to any of the negative feelings that you could be experiencing on a daily basis. If you feel nervous, sad, or just tired of not dedicating enough time for yourself, then taking on a new exercise routine will help keep you motivated and lift your spirits. As the experts over at facetsevenfitness.com/eado-fitness/ note, clients who take the time to nurture an alternative sport or athletic activity develop self-confidence and find themselves instantly feeling better, as they are able to channel some of their frustrations into a healthy endeavor. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins in your body, which enables a feeling of well being, happiness, and relaxation. No further proof is needed that this is a wonderful form of self-care.
Eat Well
Nourishing your body doesn’t necessarily mean buying an expensive juicer and drinking a lot of green smoothies. There is a common misconception that self-care means subscribing to a pricey monthly food plan, getting a personal chef, buying strange ingredients from the local market, and so on. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Self-care should be widely available for everyone, regardless of their economic situation. Given how stressful the current period is, this is more true than ever. Do the best you can – try not to eat junk food, and purchase affordable yet nutritious foods such as eggs, chicken breasts, frozen veggies if you don’t have easy access to fresh ones, and so on. Coffee and tea are also not too expensive, and these are easy ways to boost a sense of well-being while ensuring that you take the time out of your day to enjoy the simple things.
Taking care of your health doesn’t have to be out of reach – simple modifications are more than enough to ensure that you get the necessary nutrients, and feel energetic. And, if you eat a pack of Twizzlers once in a while, or indulge in a Diet Coke, then that’s absolutely fine and there’s no point in guilt-tripping yourself over it. Self-care also means ordering that pizza or making mac and cheese when you want to feel truly comforted, and you know that that craving will hit the spot perfectly. It’s definitely NOT about self-deprivation.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Just a few years ago, people felt that going to a yoga class or practicing meditation was meant for an elite, select few. And, given the lack of affordable yoga studios, they wouldn’t be wrong. Thankfully, things have changed a great deal. You can now find plenty of yoga videos to follow on YouTube for free, and there are also lots of ways to meditate without forking over hundreds of dollars.
Other ways to unwind and relax can include activities such as scrapbooking, knitting, learning to play an instrument, and so on. Just pick up something that will keep you focused and engaged since that will lessen your anxiety considerably.
Proper self-care should encompass different practices that ensure your holistic development. Make sure that you are taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and remember that you don’t have to have a huge disposable income in order to take proper care of yourself. Making small changes and devoting some time to any of these practices will go a long way in improving your overall health and quality of life.
