How to self-care
There are not many times when I’ve been made speechless, but this was probably one of the most memorable.
I’ve suffered from anxiety for most of my life, but it seems to have got much worse this year. Deciding I needed some help to get it under control, I visited a psychiatrist who was absolutely amazing.
It was whilst answering the usual mundane questions that I had a massive wakeup call.
I answered the usual mundane questions like what I did for a living (marketing) and what my hobbies were (blogging) without a second thought. It was only when my doctor asked what else did I do to relax, that I was dumbfounded. I mean, he even tried to make it easier for me and asked me what I liked to do, but yet again, I was left searching for an answer.
That was part of the problem. I was so caught up with everything going on in my life, that I’d forgotten what I actually enjoyed. It sounds ridiculous, and it is, but it’s also true.
Since then, I’ve been trying to learn more about self-care and add it to my daily routine.
With the festive season upon us, I think it’s important, now more than ever, to take some time out for yourself. I know a lot of people struggle with their mental health around this time of year so I’m sharing some of the benefits of self-care, why you should practise self-care even if you’re not suffering and how to make a self-care plan.
Just a quick disclaimer to point out that I am no expert and this post is about sharing what works for me. Different things help different people so some of the things I talk about might not be for you. As always, get the advice of a medical professional if you are struggling or in crisis.
What is Self Care?
When my doctor started talking to me about self-care, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. That’s how badly I was neglecting myself.
There are loads of fancy medical definitions of self-care, but for me, self-care is anything that helps you to maintain or improve your health, well-being, and wellness, both physically and mentally.
Why Should You Practice Self Care?
Reason #1 Why Self Care Is Important – You’ll be more productive
One of my favourite sayings is ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ and it is so true. There is no way you can do everything you want to without taking time for yourself.
Taking some time out will help improve your concentration, focus, and performance.
Reason #2 Why Self Care Is Important – You’re Immune System Will Be Better
You know when you’re super busy and then start to feel a bit run down? That’s because you’re not looking after yourself.
There’s scientific evidence that shows that self-care activities help your body go into ‘rest mode’ and renew your immune system.
Reason #3 Why Self Care Is Important – You’ll build self-esteem
Do you ever scroll through Instagram and fall into a negative comparison trap? Me too.
Practising self-care reinforces the idea that you are worth spending time on (which you are), and helps to silence all that self-doubt.
Reason #4 Why Self Care Is Important – You’ll learn about yourself
Remember when I said I’d forgotten what I liked to do? That’s because it had been so long since I’d actually done something I wanted to do because I wanted to do it.
Actively adding self-care into your routine will help you understand where your strengths lie and what you’re passionate about.
Reason #5 Why Self Care Is Important – You can hit pause
Life can be pretty overwhelming and sometimes you just need everything to stop so you can catch your breath.
That’s what self-care is for. You get to press pause on all those distractions for a short time and just focus on one thing; you.
Reason #6 Why Self Care Is Important – You’ll be happier
It’s common sense, but something a lot of us overlook; doing things that you enjoy will make you help improve your happiness.
Self Care When You’re Not Suffering
I feel like it’s a common misconception that you must be suffering from bad mental health if you practice self-care.
But why do you need to be in a bad place to dedicate time to yourself?
Self-care is as much about maintaining your health as it about improving things.
I have a bad habit of stopping practising self-care when I get to a good place, and then act shocked when my health slips backwards. Even if you’re not prone to bad mental health, self-care shouldn’t be something you push to the back of your to-do list.
Just because you aren’t struggling doesn’t mean you are any less worthy to spend time on yourself.
By practising self-care when you’re in a good place you will still get all the benefits of self-care, in addition to maintaining your positive mindset. It’s a win-win situation.
How To Make A Self Care Plan
Self Care Plan Step 1 – Decide on when
Before I went to my doctor, I knew I should have been taking time out, but I never actually found to do it.
Sound similar? I thought so.
I know having a set time can feel a bit regimented, like enforced fun’ or a chore, but it definitely helps me to have set times to switch off from everything. Having a set time is ideal if you’re busy, likely to forget or need some help forming the habit of self-care.
Some people do ‘self-care Sundays’ and have an entire day to unwind, but personally, I need to practice self-care on a daily basis. If I can, I try and block off at least an hour each day to do something that I really enjoy.
One thing to point out is that there is no right or wrong. Some people work best with a structure (aka me), others like things to be more relaxed. Some people need to practice daily, others can do it less. It’s all down what works best for you. The important thing is that you make time to do it.
Self Care Plan Step 2 – Decide on what
There are so many self-care activities, and actually, trying to decide what to do can be overwhelming in itself (ironic huh?).
The key thing is that whatever you do should make you feel good and benefit you in some way. There’s no point doing something that you hate, just because it’s a self-care activity. Choose something that works for you.
It can be helpful to break potential activities down into the following categories, although there is some overlap:
- Physical – e.g. exercise, moisturising
- Psychological – e.g. art therapy, social media detox
- Social – e.g. phone calls, meeting up with friends
- Career – e.g. developing new skills, mentoring
- Spiritual – e.g. practising your religion, meditation
Whilst I love blogging, it’s my main ‘hobby’ and I’m so ridiculously passionate about creating content, I don’t class blogging as a self-care activity.
Err why? Because there’s an overlap between my job and blogging, I find it’s much easier to switch off if I’m doing something completely different. If I can, I try and take things offline completely and step away from social media.
Need some self-care ideas to get you started? Check out this post to get all the self-care inspiration you need!
Self Care Plan Step 3 – Stay Accountable
It’s one thing knowing how to practice self-care, it’s another committing and actually doing it.
Make sure you stay accountable to yourself and review what self-care activities you’re doing.
If you’re going through a stressful period, you might need to reassess your self-care plan and adjust it to make it work.
You might also find that sharing your self-care plan with others helps you commit. Talking to your friends, family or even colleagues will give you some extra support and encouragement.
Whatever you do, it’s important that you practice self-care regularly to form a habit and see the benefits.
I really hope you’ve found this guide on making a self-care plan useful. Whilst a lot of the ideas around self-care is common sense, I think we all need to be reminded that it’s a good thing to look after number one.
Do you have a self-care plan? What’s your favourite self-care activity? Let me know in the comments below!
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Other posts you might find interesting:
Self care is essential, it is life changing- may sound dramatic but so true!
My recent post: https://lifeofellabella.blogspot.com/2018/12/real-talk-when-anxiety-became-trend.html
It can truly be the difference in your mindset!
I’ll give your latest post a read now!