The basics of self-care: Simple tips to uplift your daily life
Every person has, at one point or another, put their own needs on the back burner. Sometimes, we postpone taking proper care of ourselves because we're too busy or have other priorities. Other times, we may feel that taking time for ourselves is selfish or that it’s not as important as showing up for others or our careers.
This habit can lead to burnout, which is a state of ongoing exhaustion or fatigue from built-up emotional, mental or physical strain. Common burnout symptoms can include fatigue, trouble sleeping, digestive issues and joint pain. Burnout can take a toll on a person’s health and well-being when left unaddressed. However, there are things we can do to prevent and reduce burnout — one of them being self-care.
Self-care is the practice of actively looking after one's well-being by engaging in activities that regulate and recharge one's body and mind daily. Studies have shown that a regular self-care practice can reduce stress's impact on a person’s quality of life. Additionally, self-care can promote better health, boost your overall well-being and make you more resilient.
Read on to learn more about self-care and to discover sustainable tips for establishing a self-care practice that enhances your daily life and supports your well-being and overall health.
The benefits and challenges of self-care
Self-care can offer many benefits, like the ability to recharge your body and mind. A daily self-care practice can make you more resilient and able to rely on yourself. Additionally, it can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being.
Additional benefits of self-care can include:
- Increased self-awareness, self-management and self-control
- Improved ability to rely on yourself and respond to stressors
- Higher quality of life and emotional health
- Lower stress levels and risk of burnout
- Better health and overall well-being
- Lower risk of chronic illnesses, disease and death
- Reduced health care costs
- Better health literacy, or the ability to understand and implement the factors that affect your health and well-being
While self-care can have many benefits, it can also come with its own unique set of challenges. For instance, many people can struggle to start and stick to a self-care routine. This may be especially true for people with mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.
However, it’s important to know that there are things you can do to make self-care more sustainable. Read on to discover the best tips for getting started on — and sticking to — a self-care routine.
