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The importance of self-care

The importance of self-care

July 24 is International Self-Care Day—a chance to discuss the importance of taking care of yourself and the role self-care plays in leading a healthy lifestyle and your overall well-being. 

Self-care is about making positive choices and developing good habits that help your physical and mental health. The benefits of self-care are experienced every moment of your life, which is why today (24/7) is a reminder that prioritising your own health is a lifelong pursuit.

 

Increase behaviours that benefit your health, such as:

  • exercise

  • eating fresh fruit and vegetables

  • drinking water

  • proper rest and sleep

  • using sunscreen

  • wearing a seatbelt in the car

  • good hygiene

  • taking breaks

Reduce behaviours that can be detrimental to your health, like:

  • smoking and vaping

  • excessive alcohol

  • constant electronic use

  • 24/7 connectivity to social media outlets

  • negative thought patterns

  • underestimating your ability to cope with challenges

 

Self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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For most of us, the pandemic has meant many of our normal self-care practices were put on hold. Other self-care practices, like hand washing, became even more important.


If you had medical appointments that were cancelled or postponed due to the pandemic, this is your reminder to re-book. Many clinics and health offices have put proper COVID-19 precautions into place and are resuming regular service. Don't put off that eye test / dental appointment / annual physical / prostate exam / mammogram.


Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Protect vulnerable people. Follow physical distancing guidelines when they are required. These are all a part of good self-care, because stopping the spread of COVID-19 is beneficial to our collective well-being.
 

Be Kind to Yourself.

We are all guilty of putting extra stress on ourselves sometimes. Remember that you are likely experiencing higher-than-normal stress during the pandemic, so give yourself some slack.

Also keep in mind that self-care routines can take time to work. They require practice and it is okay if something suggested above does not suit your lifestyle. Don’t be hard on yourself if you forget to do something or if you are not feeling a benefit right away.

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