Self-care is one of the most widely talked about mental health practices all over the world. Practising self-care is often portrayed as engaging in leisure activities like having a relaxing spa or taking a nap. While these ring true and form one essential part of self-care, they do not encapsulate its entire essence. We’re sorry, we don't mean to burst your bubble but though some days self-care may look like taking a day off or bingeing your favourite TV series, using the same tactics every day can only result in the activity losing its importance and merely becoming an act of escapism.
As self-care emerges as a popular fad all around, we must understand the true meaning of self-care and its impact on mental health. Simply put, self-care is ‘the act of preserving and improving one’s health, well-being and happiness’. So, when we talk of indulging in self-care practices, we don’t simply mean activities that comfort us but also those that help in our holistic growth as an individual.
Self-care exists in several forms. There is no single way to practise self-care and it has eight prominent areas to ensure our physical as well as mental well-being. Each area takes care of a specific aspect of our overall growth. We might be already practising some of these but may be missing out on some others. Identifying the areas we need to work on serves as a great start to incorporating self-care in our daily lives.
Want to practise self-care but don’t know where to begin? Here’s a list you can use to identify the area you want to tap into at any point in time.
Now that we have a clearer picture of self-care, let’s discuss the art of practising self-care. When dealing with work or a deadline, we jump right to it; then why do we ignore the signals our body sends us to simply take a break for ourselves? In today’s fast-paced environment, we face several barriers when it comes to doing things for us. And that’s just one small hurdle. Here are some other significant hurdles that you might come across when engaging in self-care:
If you have faced any of these issues as a barrier to successfully indulging in self-care, know that you are not alone. We often make excuses: think we don’t deserve it, don't have the time or sometimes remain blissfully unaware of the signals our body and mind are sending us. Catching these barriers, however, and identifying the area of self-care you need in the present moment is a great start.
Despite having this theoretical understanding, self-care often tends to become a forgotten practice for most people, one that never gets crossed off our to-do lists. Even when we know all the right things to do, starting them in the first place can be challenging. That is when the support of your loved ones can come to your aid. Asking for help can be tough.
Here are three simple ways you can begin your self-care journey:
1. Find a Buddy
There is nothing better you can aim for than finding a self-care partner who holds you accountable and vice versa. Your goals may look different but having someone who checks in with you can help you stay on track. You can even discuss your shortcomings and optimise your goals together.
2. Ask for Space
This might sound antithetical, but we sometimes get overwhelmed by our social requirements to a point that we don’t have the headspace to reflect on our own feelings. Having loved ones around who understand that your need to take a step back does not reflect anything on them can be helpful and give you the support you need to follow through with your plans.
3. Involve a Loved One
Whether you plan your self-care activities every day or not, getting a close friend or family member to participate in one activity with you can be a great bonding moment. It can be as simple as a 5-minute meditation or a hobby you would like to cultivate together.
Humans are inherently social. We are heavily influenced by our social interactions and they contribute to a large part of our personalities and behaviours. They may uplift us and at the same time, bring us down. Creating a strong social network that understands our needs and supports us in all our endeavours is important for personal growth. Our social support network has untapped potential in various areas of our lives that go beyond self-care. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a rut, call your loved ones and don’t hesitate to ask them for help!
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