What is self-care and why is it important?

The word self-care has found a new meaning in today’s world. The internet is boasting about this as a concept. Some assume self-care is about doing new nails, going for a spa day, going shopping, drinking wine, having a solo dinner date and so on. Of course, it should be all of it if one craves for. But is that it? Is it what we call “self-care”?
It’s time we dig into the concept and understand that self-care isn’t just like one of those trending things on social media, it is more about setting up a habit where you keep yourself as a priority for your overall well-being!

What is self-care? 

Psychologists and philosophers may have an apt, detailed and wordy definition for it but from what we understand, self-care must be a way of life.
Life gives us very little time and bandwidth for ourselves. We feel drained out and as a result, we put ourselves through a lot-- be it physically, mentally or emotionally.
The result is a tired body and a depressed mind. To save yourself from that, it is crucial to have awareness about self-care being a lifestyle, a habit and not just something that is to be done on your day off.

What are the types of self-care?

Our minds and bodies are intertwined. If you don’t feel well mentally, your body won’t do best either, and vice versa. That’s a body-mind connection. Therefore, self-care is about physical care and mental care that involves emotional care as well. Other than that, there is spiritual self-care and then comes social self-care. Let’s dive in more to improve our self-care journey.

1. Physical self-care: 

Of course, we understand the importance of physical self-care. It doesn’t need any more explanation. But, do we take care of this physical body on days it needs the most?
Think about all those times when you endured your ailments and went to work because your commitment to work was bigger than to yourself.
Think of the times you let your body suffer for more than a long time thinking it shall pass on its own (but it didn’t).
Think of the times when you knew you shouldn’t consume meals (or drinks) that are harmful to you and kept doing so until they landed you in the hospital with hefty bills!
We tend to think that we know how to do physical self-care, but knowing isn’t enough. We need to act upon it. Therefore, never ignore what your body is trying to communicate with you. Take care of your health, FIRST.

Where to start?

• Plan a suitable diet
• Follow a sleep cycle
• Start exercises, yoga or join a gym
• Plan frequent doctor visits
• Set reminders for your medicines

2. Mental self-care:

Yes, we have been reading posts and quotes on the internet about mental self-care. But how much do we understand it?
Our mind processes thousands of thoughts every day, even in a sleeping state. We are aware that our mental being affects our physical being. Therefore, what we think, how we think and how we process those thoughts is a major criterion for mental self-care.
What thoughts are watered by our mind is in some way in our control, so take care of that. The self-communication is responsible for our entire mental health. Hence, mental self-care involves controlling the dialogue with yourself. Keeping your mind at peace is a self-task and you must involve in activities that bring clarity to your mind.

6. Setting Deadlines 

It has been said too often, including in the management books and yet I repeat that when you set out, it begins with a dream that is backed by vision. Vision that is backed by goal and a goal into targets. So set a deadline which can essentially help you in having magnified focus on your tasks and enable you to frame the bigger picture with absolute conviction. 

Where to start?

• Focus on positive thoughts (over the negatives)
• Practise self-acceptance and kindness
• Engage in your favourite activities (hobbies, sports, TV shows/movies)
• Learn a new skill
• Take clinical help if feeling depressed often

3. Emotional self-care: 

Everything is interconnected-- Your mental, physical and emotional health. If one of the three is disturbed, every other aspect gets affected. Hence, we need to keep it all in sync.
But emotional self-care is the root of mental and physical care. How? If you do not understand and acknowledge what you are feeling, your mind and body will act confused. You lose concentration thereby affecting your performance everywhere.
Therefore, take care of what your emotions are saying. Your feelings of being lonely, angry, excited, overwhelmed, irritated and happy need ‘earthing’. Meaning, they need acknowledgement. Take clinical help if it’s alarming. Understand your feelings and do what it takes to feel peaceful.

Where to start? 

• Self-talk about how you are feeling
• Prioritize your emotional needs
• Accept what you feel without judging self
• Journal your feelings 
• Talk to a friend/family member

4. Spiritual self-care: 

People would misunderstand spiritual self-care as having something to do a lot with spirituality or religion. One doesn’t need to be spiritual to do spiritual self-care. Yes, you heard it right!
Spiritual self-care has more to do with the conscious and sub-conscious self. Taking care of your inner self is going to bring about a great positive change in your overall well-being. It’s more about understanding your inner self, searching for the purpose of your life in a broader way and finding a connection with the ultimate energy (whatever you believe in— The Almighty, Universe or Great Spirit)

Where to start?

• Learn meditation and practise yoga
• Visit places close to Nature>
• Visit the places of worship>
• Focus on your intuition>
• Give back to Nature in your way>

5. Social self-care:

Understanding that a connection with society is a way to keep yourself involved. Humans are not meant for entire isolation. There are episodes when you feel that your social battery is down, isolate yourself then but make sure you are coming out strong.
Connect with like-minded people, meet new people who understand your goals, engage with your family and friends and maintain a cordial relationship with people around you. This is important because having grudges, jealousy, resentment and disappointments with people in society reflects and affects your mental and emotional state. Therefore, social self-care is mandatory to conserve your social battery. Remove negative personalities from your circle and choose people wisely.

Where to start:

• Hang out with your close friends often
• Frequent visits or video calls to your parents
• Plan dates with your special someone
• Work for a cause that is important for you
• Limit social media usage

Remember'Self-care is about accepting yourself, loving yourself and moving forward (unconditionally).'