Self-care has become a buzzword recently, and for good reasons. You probably spend a lot of time and energy caring for others, but you might neglect paying attention to your own physical and mental health. In this article, we’ll explore what self-care is, why it matters, and how you can make it a priority this year.
Acts of self-care are the things you need to do care for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Ideally, you practice minor acts of self-care every day. Self-care can include making a salad for lunch, going for a walk, spending time with friends, or pursuing your own interests and hobbies.
A self-care day is a great way to rejuvenate and recuperate from the daily stresses of life. Even if you don’t have an entire day to devote to self-care, maybe you can carve out an hour or two to take a relaxing bath or get a cup of coffee with a friend.
You live in a society that values productivity over everything else. However, you can actually be more productive and creative if you take meaningful breaks from the daily grind. This includes unscheduled time for yourself where you relax with a book or take a well-deserved nap.
When you don’t prioritize your health, you risk burning out. You’re a human, not a machine. Rest, relaxation, and time for yourself are what you need. While there’s nothing wrong with pursuing your goals and working hard, it’s equally important to prioritize play time. This will help you live a balanced, happy life.
When you make self-care a priority, you communicate to yourself and others that you’re important, too. That’s as it should be. Instead of squeezing time for yourself into the nooks and crannies of your life, you need to schedule self-care, just like you schedule everything else. Depending on the responsibilities you have, you might need to ask friends and family to help. But it starts with the awareness and understanding that you matter and self-care is important to keep you healthy and well for the rest of your life.
If you’re not used to practicing self-care, you may not know what to do with yourself when you have free time. We came up with a few ideas to get you started, but let your imagination take over and do whatever makes you feel energized, refreshed, and happy.
It can be difficult to get your mind off your personal life. Watching a movie or reading a book is an easy way to get immersed in a different world. If you don’t have to read a book, try a short story or a poem. If an entire movie seems daunting, look for a short film or watch a movie you can stop sooner, such as a documentary.
Taking a long bath is a great way to relax your mind and do something for your body at the same time. Immersing yourself in warm water relaxes your muscles. If you use essential oils for your bath, such as lavender, it can make this activity even more sensual and pleasurable.
Physical activity is important for your health. Not everyone is cut out to be an athlete, but you can go for a leisurely stroll around your local neighborhood or park. Being outside gives you a healthy dose of vitamin D, and walking will help you limber up, especially if you typically sit at your desk all day.
Human beings crave connections. That’s why we pair up in romantic relationships, visit family for the holidays, and talk to our friends when we need someone to listen. If possible, make a date with a close friend and spend one-on-one time together. If your schedules don’t align, you can still pick up the phone and have a pleasant conversation. You’ll feel better after connecting with someone.
Maybe you feel run down after the holiday stress. With fewer sunshine hours in the winter, you may need extra vitamins and minerals to feel your best. Schedule a vitamin infusion at our office for your self-care day. You’ll be glad you did.
We can help you make 2023 your year of self-care. Prioritizing your mental, physical, and emotional health is important to your long-term well-being and your productivity. Call our office today to talk about your options for regular vitamin infusions.