When someone is engaged in self-care, they are engaged in activities to take care of themselves. By regularly participating in self-care, your self-love can also increase. You begin to accept yourself and feel more comfortable in your own skin. But how exactly do you do that? And does self-care look the same for everyone?
Why is self-care important?
It goes without saying that it is important to take care of yourself. That is more than getting enough sleep, food and drink. These activities ensure that you can continue living, but self-care ensures that you can also enjoy life. Especially when you suffer from a burnout or a depression, which sometimes makes basic activities such as eating or drinking more difficult, it is useful to do something extra for yourself. You do that with self-care.
Who is self-care intended for?
Self care is for everyone. It doesn't matter what your reason is that you want to do it. And don't be fooled into thinking it's not for you. There are thousands of tips and tricks for self-care online and this can sometimes be frightening. They say you should get up every morning and have a perfect routine. It also always states that eating healthy and not using technology is a must. But none of this is necessary. If you feel super good after finally eating a burger again, do it! Self-care looks different for everyone.
How do you start with self-care?
First, it is important to learn about yourself. After answering these questions, you can come up with activities that you can use as self-care. It is important that these activities provide energy or keep your energy level stable. So don't choose activities that make you tired. Many people choose to do self-care alone. However, this is not necessary. If you have friends or relatives that you feel comfortable with, you can certainly do activities together.
- Wat makes me happy and unhappy?
- From what do I get energy and from what not?
- Who makes me smile and who drains my energy?
- What kind of activities can I do when my energy level is low?
- What do I have trouble with when I don't feel well?
Examples of self-care
If you're having a hard time coming up with your own ideas, here's another list of different activities. Please note, everyone is different and needs different self-care.
- Walking or hiking in nature or in the city
- Take a long bath with a bath bomb or bath salt
- Listen, sing or danse to music
- Read or write
- Mindfulness, yoga or meditation
- Clean and create an empty or new environment
- Paint, crochet, knit or draw
- Have a cup of tea or coffee with a podcast on
- Sports or other forms of exersice
- Trying something you have never done before
What should you do if you're too busy for self-care?
Everyone has problems with it. Sometimes life is just to busy and stressful. Nevertheless, it remains important to continue to do self-care. This can mean that it must be scheduled during a busy period. If this is not possible during the day, plan it half an hour before leaving for work or school or in the evening when you are back at home. During that half hour, ensure as few disruptions as possible. So if you are always harassed on your phone about work matters after work, just put the phone on airplane mode. No one can be available 24/7 and you deserve time for yourself too.
