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The Importance of Self- Care

How can self-care help me?

Self-care can be a real game-changer for your mental health and wellbeing. Even if you feel like you don’t have time for it or think it won’t work, it’s important to do the little things that help. Here are some ways that self-care can help:

Restore balance

Taking breaks and connecting with yourself can help bring balance back into your life and make you feel more like you again.

Boost your mental health

Making self-care a part of your life can help put you in a good headspace, making tough times easier to handle.

Lower the pressure

Prioritising you and your needs, even when things are hectic, can stop you from burning out and get more control in your life.

Although self-care is important for your wellbeing, it isn’t a replacement for getting help if you need it.

Finding what self-care works for you

There’s no one way to do self-care. You can keep it simple or go all out with it – it’s really about finding what works for you. It’s okay to try different things until you find what you like. To help you figure this out, think about these questions:

What feels within my power to try? Start by trying things that feel easy to fit into your life, like taking a short walk or writing down your feelings each day.
Where am I drawing my strength from? Think about what makes you feel good and strong. Talking to people you love, doing something creative or connecting with nature might work for you.
What are things that help ground me? Find activities that help you feel centred and present. Mindfulness, journaling and drawing can help you to tune in with yourself.
If my best friend was feeling like this, what would I say to them? Take the same care and understanding that you’d give to someone else who’s finding life tough at the moment.
What is my body telling me it needs? Tune into what you need. If you’re feeling on edge, take time to reset your mind. If you’re feeling jittery, you could try dancing to your favourite song or doing exercise.

Starting self-care can feel weird. Sometimes it can feel like self-care is selfish, especially if you have big responsibilities like caring for a friend or family member. But there’s nothing selfish about looking after yourself – in fact, doing so will make you better able to do the other things you need to do. Remember, you are worthy of self-care and helping yourself feel good can help you to support the people around you too.

Source: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/

Types of Self care

Self-care ideas for everybody

Some activities you enjoy may cost a bit, or take time, but self-care is just as likely to be about the simple free things too. Here are some examples scaled from the everyday to the only once in a while.

Physical self-care

Exercise: Using a workout app, like Seven (iOS and Android) or Nike Training Club, walking, running, cycling, swimming locally – or doing classes and fun runs or rides.
Sport: Gaming online, throwing or kicking a ball around with mates in the park – or joining a local club or gym.
Spa: Soaking in the tub – or having a massage or manicure.

Mental and emotional self-care

Entertainment: Listening to music, watching a film or a match on TV – or going to a gig, show or game.
Nature: Time on the porch, balcony or in the backyard or at the local park, gardening or planting a window box – or hiking in the country or visiting a gardening centre.
Friends: Facetiming/Skyping with coffee in hand or popping around for a cuppa – or meeting in a café.

Creative and spiritual self-care

Imagination: Getting in the habit of writing, drawing or Instagramming – or joining creative classes online or in your local community.
Learning: Reading books online or from the library, learning how to cook new recipes, listening to podcasts, watching Ted talks online – or going to a local talk or event.
Spirituality: Reading scripture, meditating regularly, attending a service – or attending a event or Meetup on a topic you’re interested in.

Self-care is very individual

What works for some won't work for others. For example, exercise makes some people feel on top of their game, while others are restored by a bath and a snooze. The important thing is to do what you enjoy. This quick quiz will help you think about what kind of self-care suits you.

Self-care works best as a routine

Regular acts of self-care keep you energised and dealing with pressures well. Which is better than an emergency fix to get back on track when things go wrong. So sit down with the family – talk about the importance of each doing the things you enjoy, that make you feel happy. Bounce ideas and put them in the planner or calendar. And support each other in doing them. Self-care is fun and good for you – enjoy it!

Source: https://parents.au.reachout.com/parenting-skills/self-care/self-care-and-teenagers

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