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Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not merely an opportunity to pamper yourself in salons, shopping malls, or resorts. It goes beyond meeting one’s material pleasures.
The self-care movement was supposedly a revolutionary advocacy coopted by corporations and media. It began as a reaction against the mechanized treatment of the bodies of workers to keep up with the fast-paced and industrialized lifestyle demanded by our modern society. It was supposedly a reminder to put one’s health before extraneous work. When you meditate, according to Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD, “…life is better. Stress is lower…health improves. Problems seem smaller.”
Self-care involves activities that we do to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. John Duffy, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist defined self-care as “attending to your own needs such that you are content, focused, motivated, and ‘on your game.’” In planning your self-care routine, you must consider that taking care of the body means other facets of your well-being will be affected. Thus, solely prioritizing one’s material gratification is problematic. Instead of stretching our budget to get the most expensive self-care treatments, here are some alternative ways.
Start Your Day By Meditating
According to Dr. Robert Puff, meditation will allow you to become more mindful of your surroundings. Starting your day by being grounded reduces your vulnerability to stress and overthinking. You can meditate while riding on a bus, showering, or eating your breakfast. The goal is to stimulate the mind and become more aware of your senses in preparation for work.
Work With A Well-Fed Stomach
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Dr. Maria Baratta warns us of our tendency to skip meals when subjected to a hectic schedule. Doing so makes us less suitable for continuous work. She says we must integrate healthy foods that we love into our routine and plan our meals every day. In the age of fast-food and processed meals, we need to remind ourselves of their effects later in our old age.
Surround Yourself With A Healthy Social Environment
The University of New Hampshire claims that happiness and liveliness thrive within a socio-cultural circle. Dr. Nicholas Christakis and Dr. James Fowler found out in their studies that individuals who engage with cheerful people have a happier outlook and a better sense of well-being.
Allow Yourself To Take A Rest From Time To Time
A study about the relation of productivity and napping found out that people who take a 20-minute nap are the most productive come nighttime, while the rest lagged. Resting allows the body to recharge and increase alertness. If you are involved in creative works, this is the best way to boost your imagination.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
On average, adults require 7–9 hours of sleep to be well-rested, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Sleeping is the best way to let the body naturally replenish itself after a busy day of work. As the body remains at rest, stress and tensions in the body relax.
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The primary principle of proper self-care is a holistic approach in meeting the needs of the body in terms of physical, social, and mental wellness. The success of a routine relies not on its grandness but on the discipline and commitment one dedicates to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As Terri Orbuch, Ph.D, psychotherapist,’ said, “Everyone needs to make sure they take care of themselves; they need to make their own wel-being and happiness a priority in their life. If you don’t, who will?”