By Jenny Tinmouth
13/02/2021
Prioritising Self-Care: Nurturing Resilience and Balance
In theory, self-care may seem like a simple concept, but we often overlook its importance in our busy lives. However, self-care is a powerful tool that helps us maintain balance and build resilience. Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not selfish.
What is self-care?
Self-care is intentionally taking responsibility for our well-being through restorative activities that become integrated into our daily lives.
Imagine your well-being as a jug of water. You can't pour from an empty jug, so it's essential to make self-care a part of your routine starting now. Begin with small steps – plan and set goals for self-care, write them down, and commit to sticking to them.
A self-care toolkit will vary for everyone, but here are a few ideas to consider adding to yours:
Breathe
Take a few moments several times a day for slow, deep breaths. Breathing helps ground and calm us. This simple practice can be a go-to solution when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or tired.
Pace Yourself
Recognise that you can only do so much. Use the identifiers of 'must, should, and could' to help you prioritise tasks and activities.
Keep to Good Health Habits
Ensure you get enough regular quality sleep, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Stay hydrated.
Eat regular and nutritious meals, opting for plant-based foods over fast food. Challenge yourself to cook something new.
Prioritise aerobic exercise for stress reduction. Yoga is excellent for stretching and relaxation, and you can find helpful home exercises and yoga videos on platforms like YouTube.
Limit your consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and addictive substances.
Allow Yourself a Break
Make sure to allocate downtime and me-time. Set aside some moments to relax or engage in activities just for you. Enjoy calming pursuits like reading, journaling, meditating, listening to music, or starting an arts-and-crafts project. Embrace the joy of having fun.
Connect with Others
Social connection and emotional support are essential for our health and well-being. Stay in touch with family, maintain friendships, and engage with community groups.
Manage Information Overload
While staying informed about health and safety, be cautious of information overload and media hype. Excessive exposure to news can contribute to stress and tension. Rely on reputable sources for accurate and credible information.
Seek Help and Support
Don't hesitate to reach out to others when needed. Everyone deserves to talk about their feelings and be heard. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
In Summary
Incorporating self-care into our lives is crucial for nurturing resilience and maintaining balance. By prioritising self-care, we empower ourselves to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it is an act of self-compassion that enables us to show up better for others and ourselves.
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” Katie Reed
This article is for information purposes only and should not be treated as a professional opinion or advice. The content is not guaranteed to be complete, current, accurate, or error-free and is not offered as a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a healthcare professional on your health needs; their guidance and approval are crucial for your well-being and safety. By reading this blog, you acknowledge and agree that any actions you take based on the provided information or channels are executed at your own risk.