Self care - I walk the walk
In the fast-paced, high-pressure world we live in today, the concept of self-care has evolved from a luxury to a necessity. As a psychotherapist, I’ve witnessed first hand the profound impact that neglecting self-care can have on mental, emotional and physical health. Yet despite its significance, self-care is often misunderstood or overlooked.
Understanding Self-Care: Beyond the Buzzword
Self-care is often trivialized as indulgent spa days or occasional treats, but it’s far more comprehensive. From a therapeutic standpoint, self-care is about consistently attending to your needs—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It’s the practice of maintaining your well-being so you can function at your best, manage stress effectively, and build resilience against life’s challenges.
Why Self-Care Matters
Prevention of Burnout: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It’s prevalent among those who pour their energy into caring for others—caregivers, healthcare professionals and even parents. Without self-care, these individuals can deplete their reserves, leading to chronic fatigue, depression, and a sense of detachment from their work and relationships. By prioritizing self-care, they can maintain their energy levels and continue to give from a place of abundance rather than depletion.
Emotional Regulation: Self-care practices such as mindfulness, therapy, or simply setting aside time for activities you enjoy can help regulate emotions. When you’re consistently stressed or overwhelmed, your capacity to manage emotions diminishes. This can lead to increased anxiety, irritability, or sadness. Regular self-care helps maintain emotional balance, making it easier to navigate life’s ups and downs.
Improved Relationships: A common misconception is that self-care is selfish. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. When you neglect your needs, you’re more likely to experience frustration, resentment, or even burnout, which can strain relationships. By taking care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others, fostering healthier, more balanced relationships.
Enhanced Productivity: Taking regular breaks, getting adequate sleep, and ensuring proper nutrition are all forms of self-care that directly contribute to improved focus, creativity, and productivity. The notion that self-care is a distraction from work is a myth. When you’re well-rested and mentally clear, you’re far more efficient and effective in your tasks.
Building Resilience: Life is unpredictable, and stress is inevitable. However, regular self-care strengthens your ability to cope with stress. By integrating self-care into your routine, you’re building resilience—the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. This resilience is not just beneficial in managing day-to-day stress but is crucial in navigating more significant life challenges, such as loss, illness, or trauma.
Implementing Self-Care: Practical Steps
While the importance of self-care is clear, implementing it can be challenging. It requires a shift in mindset and often, a reorganization of priorities. Here are some practical steps:
Start Small: Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day for deep breathing, enjoying a quiet cup of tea, or going for a short walk.
Set Boundaries: Learning to say no and setting boundaries is a critical aspect of self-care. Protect your time and energy by recognizing your limits and communicating them to others.
Create a Routine: Consistency is key to effective self-care. Whether it’s a daily meditation practice, a weekly therapy session, or a monthly day off, create a self-care routine that works for you and stick to it.
Seek Support: Self-care is not about doing everything alone. It’s about knowing when to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a friend, seeing a therapist, or joining a support group, don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it.
Some of my favourite self care acts
Enjoying a cuppa undisturbed all the way to the bottom of the mug
Anything to do with beauty or pampering, such as taking time to do a double cleanse
Reading or listening to a podcast
Have a Halotherapy treatment at the Salt Kingdom
Being in nature - even if only for 10 minutes
Having an early night
Painting
Doing yoga
Journalling my thoughts
Taking a break from my phone
Spending time with my cat
Reading all the sections of the Sunday paper
Conclusion
Self-care is not just an option; it’s a necessity. It’s the foundation upon which a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life is built. As a psychotherapist, I encourage you to view self-care as an investment in yourself—a commitment to maintaining your well-being so that you can lead a more resilient, productive and joyful life. Taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of everything else.