“Self-care is not an expense, it’s an investment”
Self-care has been the rage of the internet for quite a while now—with influencers boasting of a 31-step skincare routine, vacationing in exotic destinations, shopping sprees, donning face masks, and whatnot. But what if we were to tell you that self-care is a discipline?
Although self-care has been made out to seem like an indulgence, it is a choice you must make for yourself everyday. It goes skin deep. It is choosing your health, the right food, and your emotional and mental well-being and being honest with yourself.
Self-Care Tips
Deep within we all know what’s best for ourselves. But oftentimes we get so caught up with life, jobs, families, and children that matters of self-care take the backseat. Worry not. We’re here with some simple self-care tips to get you right back on track. And we promise we’re not here to burn a hole in your pocket.
- Just like we said before, self-care is a discipline, an everyday choice. Incorporate some form of exercise and movement in your routine. A time dedicated solely to yourself and being grateful for your body. Yoga is known to be one of the most effective self-care practices for stress relief. However, this exercise can be anything you enjoy—running, spending an hour in the gym, walking, dancing, swimming, cycling…the list is endless. Choose your groove.
- Remember to take proper rest and get enough sleep.
- Be mindful of what you eat. This does not imply restricting your food intake. Rather, pick healthier alternatives to pre-packaged or junk food. A healthy diet and sufficient water intake will keep your mind alert, your hormones balanced, your skin glowing, and your soul happy.
- Find your balance between me-time and socializing. Complete isolation is not always healthy. Neither is being surrounded by people all the time.
- We’re living in a digital age where we’ve limited control over the content we’re exposed to on a daily basis. What we fill our minds with has a significant influence over our well-being. Choose to spend your time wisely. Limit your screen-time, develop hobbies, and engage in stimulating activities such as painting, puzzles, or reading a book.
- Self-care is a process that demands effort and work. An occasional shopping spree or spa session won’t hurt but using them as a form of escape from your emotions will also bring no good. Acceptance, patience, and compassion are key here. Work on the aspects you can, let go of the ones you have no control over. Accept yourself for what you are and be compassionate towards this being. Don’t beat yourself over trivial affairs.
- Devote some time in your day to some kind of spiritual activity. If you are not religious, it can be a simple meditation session at the beginning or end of your day. Dedicate this time to practising gratitude for all that you have—remember the things we take for granted might be a dream for many.
Importance of Self-Care
Imagine you have an empty glass in hand. Someone walks in asking for water. Would you be able to quench their thirst with the empty glass you have in hand?
People who struggle with self-are are usually people who’ve always put others before themselves. It’s hard for such people to pause and make space for their own needs. Taking care of yourself will fill you with positivity, strength, and clear-sightedness. It is only when you yourself are healthy that you’ll be able to look after the ones you love.
Self-care can help you manage stress, respond to situations rather than react, reduce burnout, and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Self-Care: A Daily Habit
Wondering how to create a self-care routine? Your self-care routine would be unique to your schedule and needs. It is not meant to be another addition to the already overwhelming tasklist you have in hand. We’re here to guide you through the process of creating a plan that works.
- The first step in planning your self-care routine would involve listing the activities you engage in on a daily basis and broadly categorising them. For example Family, Work, Relationship, School, etc. You can use the table below as a reference.
| Time | Work | Family | Relationship |
| 05:00 A.M | Prepare breakfast, pack lunch for kids | ||
| 6:00 | Drop kids to school | ||
| 9:00-5:00 P.M | Office | ||
| 8:00 P.M | Date with spouse |
- This will help you identify the time you’re devoting to different activities and what areas need work.
- The next step calls for identifying the stressors in each of these categories.
- Think of what steps you can take to change the situation. For instance, you can talk with your spouse for dividing the tasks between the two of you for better management.
- Begin with small, concrete steps. Set realistic goals.
- Squeeze in time for self-care. It could be devoting 15 minutes to reading a book before bedtime or a meditation session. Find out what works for you and stick to this schedule.
Don’t wait to reach a state where you’re completely burned out. Start taking small steps today to live life fully and face the challenges it sends your way with grace and determination.