The importance of Self-Care

Self-care is important, plain and simple. But why do so many of us not make it a priority ? I mean we need to look after ourselves before anyone else, am I right? Well, that is easier said than done. So many people aren't looking after themselves but we need to, whether that be through training, reading, cooking or just plain relaxing.We all have those general reasons as to why we 'can't' look after ourselves:

" I don't have the time to workout "

" I put everyone before myself and don't put my priorities first"

" There's to many things to do in one day and not enough time to do it in"

Many of us have so many responsibilities in life that we forget to take care of our personal wants & needs. This is particularly true for mothers ! Breastfeeding, working, care giving responsibilities and the list goes on. However, through all the chaos it is hard to prioritize us, self-care is an important aspect of stress management and a healthy & happy mindset. This blog is going to teach you a few ways to make self-care an easy priority in your day to day life.

How Self-Care Benefits You

The number one benefit to making self-care a priority... it's a great stress reliever. Imagine having to go a whole day already stressed out with other things, barely getting through it all, crashing out on the couch just to wake up and do it all over again. It is harder to handle the stresses of life when we're already physically and emotionally exhausted. An easy 10 minute breather and cup of coffee before work may be all you need. Taking time out to maintain self-care has several benefits such as:

- Bettering your physical health - Happier and healthier mindset

- Stress relieving

- Improved emotional and mental health

- Improves self-confidence

Self-Care Strategies:

Self-care doesn't need to be hard. It can be as simple as taking the time out to sit alone, no phone, no working and just have a coffee in silence. Try these 9 easy self-care strategies to implement into your day to day life.

1. Maintain proper nutrition

Eating well is going to help improve your physical & mental health. You will be able to feel healthier and it will help boost your self-confidence because you start seeing a great physical transformation.

2. Get enough sleep (around 6-8 hours per night !)

Being able to catch up on sleep will help you function properly the next day and you will find you have a lot more energy to do things.

3. Maintain social support

Whether that be catching up with your friends for a quick lunch break or just calling them up on your way home to chat. Keeping friends & family in your life is a great way to keep mentally & emotionally happy.

4. Process your emotions

Take the time to discover yourself. Why are you feeling a certain way? Dig deep and find the root of the problem. Discovering yourself is very empowering.

5. Journal 5 things that made you happy today

Journalling and focusing on the things that make you happy help keep you in a positive mindset. It helps keep you focused on the things that move you forward in life not hold you back.

6. Take a new route to work

Keeping your mind sharp is always a must. Taking a new route to work is a great way to discover new things and to keep your morning run to work interesting and new.

7. Take five minute to relax

Whether this be needed at work, home or even in the car before you start driving home take at least 5 minutes every day to relax, breathe and de-stress from the day.

8. Be active

If your job requires you to sit most of the day get up & go for a walk around the office. Make sure you make at least 15-30 minutes to be active everyday. Whether it be a walk around the block, a bike ride, a gym class etc.

9. Do something that makes you happy

Cook your favorite food, go to the spa, have some retail therapy. Whatever it is that makes you happy, DO IT ! You need to enjoy life so do what makes you happy.

Try these strategies out in your day to day life and feel the difference physically, mentally & emotionally. If you enjoyed this blog feel free to share with your friends & family.

- Maraea Goymour