Taking time for oneself is not a luxury; it's a lifeline. Amidst the hustle, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, a stolen hour with a captivating book, or a leisurely chat with friends are restorative. These moments, often underrated, infuse us with energy and clarity.
What Is Self Care?
Dr Ashna Gupta, who is a Senior Psychologist at MediBuddy vHealth said, "Self-care is the set of activities in which an individual engages in to take care of their physical, emotional, or mental health. It includes actions such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, taking breaks, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in enjoyable activities. When it comes to one’s mental health, self-care can help people to manage stress, lower the risk of illness, and increase energy. Even small acts of self-care in daily life can have a big impact.
"Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to understand what one needs and enjoys. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for an individual. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for an individual can help manage their mental health," she added.
Benefits Of Self Care:
Talking about the benefits, Dr Ashna said, "When we optimise self-care, we feel better, look better, and have more energy. And quality self-care is linked to improved mental health with benefits like enhanced self-esteem and self-worth, increased optimism, fostering resilience, a positive outlook on life, becoming better equipped to manage stress and lower levels of anxiety and depression."
"Adopting self-care tips into your daily or weekly routine is not only vital for your mental health, the more we practice self-care activities, the more confident, creative, and productive we become. Not to mention we also experience joy, make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively," she further said.
Also, sharing how self care is helpful, Smita Bharti who is the Executive Director of Sakshi-a rights based NGO said, "It is a potent tool that equips to confront life's adversities head-on and bounce back from setbacks with renewed vigour. It helps to nurture our own mental health and also amplify our capacity to catalyse positive change. Self-care is the bridge that connects our personal well-being to the transformative potential of a better world."
Little Things That We Can Do For Self Care:
"Self-pampering isn't vanity; it's an act of self-love. Whether it's a spa day, a long bath, or a quiet walk in nature, these rituals replenish our spirit. They remind us that we deserve care and attention. Reading books and participating in book clubs expands our horizons. It's a journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to see the world through different lenses," she added.
Tips To Manage Overall Well-Being
Dr. Geetanjali Chopra, who is the Founder & President of Wishes and Blessings said, "In today's ever-changing world, managing our overall well-being is an essential element of our lives that should not be overlooked. It is no easy endeavour to balance the demands of work, family and personal life, but doing so is crucial to maintain a happy and wholesome life. Be it to improve one’s physical health, or to enhance one’s mental well-being, or to simply find more balance in our daily lives, this listicle is your roadmap to achieving holistic wellness."
Here’s a list of tips shared by her to help you prioritize self-care and unveil the key to living a fulfilled life:
- Be Nice to Yourself: When the world feels heavy, it's tempting to be self-critical. However, practicing self-compassion can make a world of difference. Try complimenting yourself for small achievements, and if that feels tough, do a kind deed for someone else. Acts of kindness can create a positive feedback loop that uplifts your spirits.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity isn't just about maintaining a healthy body; it's a powerful tool for boosting your mood and reducing stress. Even short walks or brief exercise routines can have a significant impact on your mental well-being.
- Eat Healthy: Proper nutrition is the foundation of both physical and mental health. Embrace a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and cultivate a positive attitude towards food. Enjoy meals with loved ones, try new flavors, and avoid obsessing over dietary restrictions.
- Prioritise Sleep: Adequate sleep is vital for mental and physical recovery. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. A well-rested mind is better equipped to handle life's challenges.
- Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt your sleep patterns by affecting melatonin production. Create a bedtime routine that excludes screens, opting for relaxation techniques like reading or gentle stretches instead.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Take moments throughout your day to engage in deep breathing exercises. Slow, mindful breaths can reduce stress, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm. Incorporate deep breathing into your daily routine for maximum benefits.
- Connect With Others: Social connections are vital for our well-being. Nurture meaningful relationships with friends, family, and even pets. A simple smile or friendly greeting to a stranger can also boost your mood and sense of connection.
- Write Down Relaxation Techniques: Create a list of relaxation methods that work for you. Experiment with these techniques, taking small steps towards incorporating them into your daily routine. Prioritize healthy ways to de-stress while avoiding short-term fixes like substance abuse.
- Seek Support: If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals. It's crucial to have a reliable support system to lean on during challenging times. Be open to exploring different avenues of support until you find what works best for you.
A positive mindset, born from the practice of self-care, infuses vitality into every facet of our lives. By embracing the transformative power of self-care, we become architects of our own positive mental health and create a ripple effect of well-being that touches every corner of our world.