Self-Care 101

As humans, we go through our life feeling that it is only important to take care of others. We put all of our time and energy into making sure that our families, friends, and everybody else is okay. This is commendable because there is nothing wrong with showing care and being a blessing to others. Also, self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too.

You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.

Life sometimes throws us curve balls and we find ourselves feeling upset, sad, tired, hopeless, and/or an array of other emotions. How we react to these changes can affect our well-being. Life happens so it is inevitable that we will get sick and/or go through stressful times. When this happens, we have to find the time to connect with ourselves and make the effort to practice good self-care.

Self-care is important for our physical, emotional, and mental health. There are many simple things that we can do to equip and refresh ourselves so we support the people that we love.

• Love yourself (daily affirmations, schedule self-care time, take a time out when needed, read self-care books, take breaks from electronics/social media, go shopping, positive thinking, binge-watch a TV show, start a new hobby).

• Healthy eating (limit sugars and unprocessed foods... less fast food, try to eat at home. Cooking and baking can be therapeutic). Multivitamins and supplements are highly recommended.

• Drinking water (eight 8-ounce glasses recommended by health authorities, try to sip water throughout the day).

• Exercising (natural stress reliever... walk/run, cardio, workout classes, whatever works best for you).

• Breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation can help you relax and reduce stress.

• Avoid drugs and/or alcohol (may feel like they help, but in reality they can make things worse by causing more problems.

• Spiritual (pray, meditate, attend a place of worship, have bible study with others, yoga).

• Adequate rest/sleep (7-9 hours in dark room with no interruptions is best. Avoid using television, computer, cellphone, etc... before bedtime).

• Self-Development (read motivational books, listen to podcasts, attend training, continue your education).

• Reduce stress (say "no" more, accept help/support from others, do whatever makes you happy, communicate your feelings, smile more).

• Personal Relationships/Social Interaction (healthy communication, fun, and quality time with family and/or friends who bring happiness, not stress).

• Pampering (warm baths, massage, manicures, pedicures, skincare/facials, makeovers, etc...)

• Organization (declutter/clean/rearrange areas, using a calendar/planner, keeping necessities together to find easily).

• Music (listen, sing, and dance to your favorite songs/playlist like nobody's watching).

• Journaling (gratitude list, write down feelings, thoughts, ideas, goals, aspirations. Drawing, coloring, and doodling can also help express emotions).

• Travel (solo trips or with family/friends. Take vacations/trips that make you feel happy, inspired, and relaxed).

• Animal/Pet Companionship (studies show that interactions with animals can help alleviate stress/anxiety and manage mental health conditions).

• Therapy (seek counseling, find someone to vent/talk to, learn coping skills, get medication if necessary).

Listen to your body! Self-care is very important. Maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself can boost self-esteem and confidence. If we don't take time to focus on the care of our own bodies, minds, and souls, we won't have anything to offer to others.