One of the single most important things you can do for your overall health and wellness is regular self-care. Data on self-care is alarming to say the least. Some sources state that as little as 6% of adults engage in regular self-care; other studies claim that 1 in 3 adults feel guilty for taking time to engage in self-care, and there is even data to show that some adults have never engaged in self-care activities at all. The bottom line is that the vast majority of adults do not engage in one of the most important aspects of health and wellness.
In terms of overall wellness, happiness, quality of life, health, and longevity, self-care is not just important, it is essential. A lot of the time, we hear “self-care” and think of bubble baths and pedicures. And while those things are great, self-care is much more than those surface level activities; it is literally “caring for yourself”, because you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Many of us believe that self-care is selfish, when in reality, you cannot adequately take care of those around you without first taking care of yourself. It’s that whole “put your oxygen mask on before helping others” announcement that comes prior to every single flight. If you feel like you’re constantly running on empty and struggling to make it through dayto- day life, it is virtually impossible for you to experience your healthiest self or to give the best of you to your loved ones.
One of the most common reasons people give for not engaging in self-care on a regular basis is the lack of time. Self-care activities do not have to be highly time-consuming. Simply taking 5-10 minutes of alone time in the morning to do breathwork, connect with yourself, and practice gratitude can be all the time you need to notice an improvement in your overall wellness. Another common reason people have for not engaging in regular selfcare is simply not knowing what self-care is or its importance. Well, now that we’ve discussed how important it is, see below for a list of great ideas for self-care.
In closing, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is quite the opposite actually, as you cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care is that missing element that will help to “fill your cup” and can even make you feel more available to those special people in your life. Carve out 5-10 minutes each day for your own selfcare, and over time, you’ll see how much better and more alive you really feel!
Prioritize sleep Meditation/prayer Deep breathing Gratitude Journaling Connecting with a loved one Nature walks/sunlight/ fresh air Listening to your favorite song/ Watch a funny movie Buying something that you love or have been wanting Spend 10-20 minutes decluttering your work area Cold exposure (cold shower, plunges, etc) Spend alone time with yourself Prioritize movement AND rest Nourishing your body Manicure/pedicure/massage/ facial/bubble bath Write a list of things you love or goals you have Create something or learn something new And anything else that fills YOUR cup.
