The Road to Self-Care

Self-care is a term we hear a lot these days. But what exactly is self-care? Really, anything you do to improve your mental, physical and emotional health is caring for yourself. Sounds simple enough, right? First, it is important to keep in mind that just because something is good for you, doesn't mean that it is "self-care". For example: Although activities such as running or meditating may be good for your overall health and well-being, if you hate them, then they are not considered self-care. (If you do find those activities energizing and fulfilling, however, they are potential self-care practices.) I also feel like I should mention that self-care doesn't mean you need to do things by yourself. Self-care is meant to bring you joy and gratification and it varies depending on the individual. Just doing the minimum in the midst of your busy daily life, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, doesn't cut it anymore. Life is busy, hectic and sometimes overwhelming, so naturally "me time" ends up last on our agendas. Sometimes, we may even feel guilty for taking time to ourselves when there is so much to get done around us. Self-care time should be carefully planned and incorporated into your daily life. It should be as important as your next meeting or tidying up at home.

Think of it this way... If you don't perform the proper maintenance on your car, it will eventually breakdown and not be able to perform at it's full potential. Well, think of yourself as a car and if you don't take time to recharge, you will eventually breakdown. Dramatic? Maybe. Does it get the point across? Sure! That being said, taking a step back and doing something for you should not be a once-in-a-while occurrence. Incorporating a daily self-care routine is crucial for a happier and more mentally stable you. Personally, I made two lists for my self-care practice. One for daily activities and another for weekly. I have made it a habit to take care of myself even before my morning coffee. I do 20 minutes of yoga stretches, 15 minutes of meditation and I take sometime to journal what I am grateful for. This sets the tone for my day and gives me the morning boost I need. Additionally, I take a walk at lunchtime. Walking outside is meditative and it often helps me refresh my mind at a time of day where it is usually very active. I also take 10 minutes a day to learn something new whether it be via a podcast or Ted Talk. Learning about topics I am interested in makes me feel productive for myself, not just for projects at work or chores at home. Many times we relate productivity only to things we have to do and it's important to do something productive for yourself. Once a week I make it a goal to see family and friends, and read for at least an hour. Those are the things that fill my soul with joy.

It is important to note that self-care routines are not "one size fits all". Selecting your routine takes some self reflection. Carefully think about what brings you happiness and makes you feel accomplished. If you don't already have a daily routine, below are somethings to consider when creating one.

1. Think about what makes you feel happy and mindful. Start by making a short list of your top 10 favorite things (colors, scents, places, people). Then come up with activities that incorporate those items. The key is to find something that you think is self-care for YOU.

2. Make time for yourself in your schedule. Now that you have your self-care activities, find the best time for you to do them without interruption. This is important because if you choose the middle of the day and you know that typically you have other things going on at that time, you are more likely to skip it. What we want here is consistency.

3. Track your progress. Once a week, take time to reflect on how you feel. Have your self-care practices made you a better person? Do you feel happier? Are there some practices that are not working for you or maybe didn't bring you the results you wanted? You can always change or add things to your routine. I recommend keeping it simple. Chances are, you already know what makes you happy, you just need to make time for it.

Although self-care means different things to different people, there’s a basic checklist that can be followed by all of us provided by psychcentral.com :

• Create a “no” list, with things you know you don’t like or you no longer want to do. Examples might include: Not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like, not answering your phone during lunch/dinner.

• Promote a nutritious, healthy diet.

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

• Exercise. In contrast to what many people think, exercise is as good for our emotional health as it is for our physical health. It increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and energy. In line with the self-care conditions, what’s important is that you choose a form of exercise that you like!

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

• Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation. You can do these exercises at any time of the day.

• Spend enough time with your loved ones.

• Do at least one relaxing activity every day, whether it’s taking a walk or spending 30 minutes unwinding.

• Do at least one pleasurable activity every day; from going to the cinema, to cooking or meeting with friends.

• Look for opportunities to laugh!

Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others. By making time for yourself you are improving your life and the lives of those around you. Whether you decide you want to go for a long walk, take a hot bath, or enjoy a day out with friends, taking self-care time is imperative. The more you can work self-care time into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life, and thrive.