The True Meaning of Self Care: What It Is and Why You Need It

Learn about the true meaning of self care, why it's so important, and how you can start incorporating it into your life.

We have all heard of the term "self care" but what does it really mean? Self care is the practice of taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally. It is about creating time and space to relax and rejuvenate so that we can be the best versions of ourselves when we interact with others. Unfortunately, many of us do not make self care a priority in our lives. Instead, we find that we are often too busy taking care of significant others, friends, family, and co-workers--so much so that we forget to demonstrate care for ourselves in the ways we so desperately need. As time moves forward, we can grow callous and sometimes unaware of exactly what we need to feel happy and healthy.

Ignoring health and self-care can lead to some very negative consequences. When we do not take care of our physical needs, we are more susceptible to developing chronic illnesses and other health problems. Furthermore, not attending to our mental and emotional needs can lead to anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Somewhat small and nagging at first, these issues can snowball and hit at the most inopportune times. For example, we know that employees who do not practice self care are more likely to experience burnout, which can lead to job dissatisfaction and, eventually, quitting.

On the contrary, the people that practice self care often find that they have more energy to put into their relationships, they feel less stressed and anxious, and they are able to be more productive. But what does true self care really look like?

Self care can mean different things for different people. Unfortunately, what it often looks like in the media is a woman getting a massage or taking a luxurious bath. While there is nothing wrong with these things, they are not the be-all and end-all of self care. It is important to find consistent and sustainable activities that work for us and that we can realistically fit into our schedules. Here are some self care ideas to get started.

Get enough sleep

Most adults need around eight hours of sleep per night. However, this will vary from person to person. Make sure to get enough rest so that you can feel well-rested and energized during the day.

Eat healthy

Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. When you fuel your body with healthy foods, you will have more energy and be less likely to crash after lunch.

Take vitamins

Vitamins and supplements can help to fill in the gaps of what you may not be getting from your diet. They can also help boost your energy levels and immune system.

Exercise

Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost your mood. Even just a few minutes of exercise can make a difference. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity most days of the week.

Meditate or do yoga

Mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga can help to calm your mind and ease anxiety. Start with just a few minutes each day and gradually increase the amount of time you spend practicing mindfulness.

Welcome solitude

It is important to spend some time alone so that you can reconnect with yourself. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a walk in nature.

Set boundaries

In order to take care of yourself, you need to set boundaries with others. This means saying "no" when you need to and not overextending yourself. It is okay to put your needs first.

Make time for hobbies

Do something that you enjoy just for the sake of doing it. Hobbies are a great way to relax and de-stress. They can also help boost your self-esteem and confidence.

Conclusion

These are just a few self care ideas to get you started on your journey of self discovery. While none of them may seem as fun as racking up loads of credit card debt on a new wardrobe or taking a two-week vacation, we must remember that true self care is about sustainable and consistent practices that improve our overall well being. We must make self care a priority in our lives and watch as our relationships with others blossom as a result. After all, we can't pour from an empty cup.

So, make sure to fill yours up first.

Give us your feedback!

What self care activities do you like to do? Let us know in the comments below!