Self-care consists of activities that individuals do in order to take care of their mental, emotional and physical health. This is an important aspect of the overall health of individuals, which is key to improved mood, and this also contributes to reduced anxiety. Through this, one may develop or improve a good relationship with oneself and others. This is not something one forces to do for himself. These are the things people enjoy. According to Agnes Wainman, self-care is "something that refuels us, rather than takes from us." Self-care is not a selfish act for it helps us deal with the different situations we experience. This is about knowing what we need to do for us to take care of ourselves and eventually be able to take care of others.
We need to consider different elements for our self-care. These elements are physical, emotional & mental, and spiritual. "Mens sana in corpore sano," this Latin quote means "A healthy mind in a healthy body." This also applies to our own unique versions of self-care. It is important for us to take care of ourselves in order for us to be able to be efficient in everything we do. We can take care of our body by improving our physical health through diet and proper exercise. Feeding our body healthy foods aids in improving our physical health. Getting enough sleep and exercise are also important for these simple habits that can boost our alertness for our daily activities.
In order to maintain our emotional and mental elements, we need to develop reasonable expectations of ourselves. We can do this by developing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and trackable goals. Through these steps, we may learn to be more accepting, kind, and forgiving of ourselves. Learning to manage our emotions reduces stress and anxiety, which may lead to a more balanced life. Learning to manage our "musts," "shoulds," and "oughts" gives us more control of our lives.
Another element to consider is our spiritual element and in order to take care of it, we need to exercise our mind and soul. Being a spiritual individual does not mean the same as one being religious. Several activities may contribute to one's spiritual self-care. This may include prayers, meditation, exploring ourselves, and finding ways to contribute to the well-being of others. Through these activities, one may improve their spiritual element.
As Charles Dickens stated, "No one is useless in this world, who lightens the burdens of another." Self-care is essential in order for us to live a better life. Through this, we may be able to enhance our relationship with others, improve our spirituality, and boost our physical health. If done properly, this may also reduce burnout, and it may increase our efficiency in everything we do. Self-care is not selfish; as this leads to helping others eventually, it may potentially be the most selfless act for the right reasons.
