By
Venita Adams
Self-care is a term that’s been gaining popularity in recent years, but what does it mean? How do you define self-care? In essence, self-care refers to the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health. It involves taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being and happiness, particularly during periods of stress.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is the ability to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider. It encompasses various aspects of a person’s life, including hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle factors such as exercise level and leisure activities, environmental factors such as living conditions or social habits, and socioeconomic factors such as income level or cultural beliefs.
Self-care is crucial for our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It’s not a selfish indulgence, but rather an essential part of overall well-being. Many people do not fully understand what self-care means, often confusing it with overindulgence or activities that provide instant gratification.
People often mistake self-care for overindulgence in spending, binge-eating unhealthy foods, participating in activities that provide instant gratification, going on expensive vacations, perfecting oneself by any means necessary, numbing bad feelings using alcohol or illicit substances, or binge-watching television.
True self-care involves prioritizing one’s physical and mental health, adopting healthy lifestyle habits that can be maintained long-term, eating a healthy diet, finding exercise activities that you enjoy and participating in them regularly, getting an adequate amount of good-quality sleep, following treatment plans for existing conditions accordingly, and taking time out for yourself to participate in healthy activities you enjoy.
Q: What are some examples of self-care?
A: Examples of self-care include maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and taking time to relax and do things you enjoy.
Q: Is self-care selfish?
A: No, self-care is not selfish. It’s an essential part of maintaining your overall well-being and enables you to take care of others effectively.
Q: How can I incorporate self-care into my daily routine?
A: Start small by setting aside a few minutes each day for relaxation or an activity you enjoy. Gradually increase this time as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Self-care is a vital aspect of maintaining our overall health and well-being. It’s about making conscious decisions to engage in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. Remember, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for a balanced, healthy life.
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