Self-care refers to any activity that improves one’s relationship with oneself and their sense of inner wellbeing. For many of us, the approach towards life is to problem-solve, hoping it will make us happy. But happiness doesn’t lie merely in subtracting issues, as problems will keep arising and challenging each one of us. There will always be a new problem to tackle and another goal to reach. Self-care is about engaging in activities that enhance or actually add to our well-being, regardless of our stack of problems.
We often mistake self-care for self-indulgence. While an extra bar of chocolate may sometimes make you feel better, our short-term gratification is not the main goal of self-care. Self-care is an ongoing process that takes effort. It can be enjoyable and a fulfilling way to connect with your own self.
But why is self-care important? Here are 7 reasons why you need to start taking care of yourself today:
- Self-care improves how you relate to yourself.
No one really teaches us in school how to develop a healthy relationship with our own selves, even though it is in many ways the most important one we will ever have. Self-care activities make us look at ourselves in a new light. We deserve to be loved despite our flaws or weaknesses, instead of subjecting ourselves to self-criticism.
- Self-care makes you feel good.
Self-care involves activities that make us feel good in the long run, as well as in the present. It could be about taking a break from work to engage in a hobby, or taking time off away from people for some time. Being able to say no sometimes can be liberating and make you feel great! Self-care is about not feeling guilty when you do any of these things.
- Self-care helps you stick to your goals.
Since the approach of self-care is one of kindness and warmth towards ourselves, it helps us move steadily towards a healthier and happier version of ourselves. Through small but dedicated daily actions towards our own wellbeing, self-care instils in us the momentum and motivation towards constructive action to help us achieve our goals.
- Self-care makes us more self-reliant.
Self-care helps us feel more secure in ourselves. Through self-care, we practice self-control and develop discipline. It also happens to be one of the most enjoyable ways to do so! Whether it’s getting in your daily dose of exercise or working on a project, we start to feel confident in our abilities to pursue them independently.
- Self-care helps you get to know yourself better.
Engaging in acts of self-care helps you get to know yourself better because you actually get to spend quality time with yourself doing things you enjoy or need, just for you. Self-care is a life-long process of self-discovery. It can also give you the courage to step out of your comfort zone and have new experiences.
- Self-care improves your relationships with others.
Self-care directly and indirectly improves our relationship with others because of its necessity in forming healthy boundaries. Taking care of yourself sometimes means claiming your own space and time when it is important, and saying no to people or events. A more secure relationship with yourself helps you have a more honest and healthy relationship with others.
- Self-care enhances mindfulness.
Self-care is all about enjoying the present moment. It’s hard for it not to be, because the essence of self-care is about catering to your own needs of the moment. How can being in tune with your own self not be nice? Self-care is an act of kindness that make us want to be there to experience it.
Self-care is personal and asks you to recognise your own needs. Do you need a break? Do you need some time by yourself? Do you need to rest? Your rituals of self-care or need of the hour may be unique, but the essence will always be to approach yourself with thoughts and acts of love and kindness. Not only do you need self-care, you deserve it.