Ideas for Self-Care: How and Why to Start Applying It?

Since 2011, International Self-Care Day has been commemorated, a date chosen because of the need to promote the idea that we should care for ourselves 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It was initially announced by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF); over time, other institutions have joined this initiative. The objective is to make people aware of the benefits of self-care, to make it visible, and to create alliances that favor the individual well-being of the entire population.

In recent years, especially after all the lessons learned from the pandemic, self-care has become an increasingly popular practice. However, in some areas, such as beauty, there is a misconception of what self-care entails, consumerism is promoted, and it is seen as expensive. However, self-care is not a luxury. It is instead putting yourself as a priority; it is what you do every day for your well-being.

For the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care implies an active and responsible attitude toward quality of life. Through self-care, a series of routines, habits, and using certain products that help us feel and look better is put into practice. These actions can include getting proper rest, exercising, eating a healthy diet, taking care of your physical appearance, etc. But self-care also has to do with those activities that favor our emotional and mental health.

Also read: Want to Sleep Better? 5 Natural Ways to Increase Melatonin Levels

Why is Self-Care so Important?

Self-care, besides being an act of love towards ourselves, provides human beings with physical and emotional stability, which allows them to be in tune with and satisfy their most basic needs. It is also a habit that is directly related to health. It helps you prevent diseases, immunizes and protects you physically and psychologically, making you more productive and raising your self-esteem.

Good health is an individual responsibility, which depends on the activities you perform in your daily life and which impact the body's overall functioning. Previously, self-care was linked only to physical care. However, the concept has evolved, and it is understood that physical well-being is directly related to emotional well-being. In other words, self-care is holistic. And you can adopt it in all areas of your life, from work to family or social.

Remember that You are Your Priority! Keep these Self-Care Habits in Mind

We spend our days prioritizing many things (work, family, friends, etc.), and we prioritize our well-being in very few cases. Taking on the role of care manager should be on your to-do list. Fortunately, nowadays, self-care is a growing trend. More and more people are aware of the importance of caring for themselves and striving to maintain a good state of health, from how you look on the outside to the emotional and mental side.

Regarding physical appearance, reality shows us that everyone likes to look good. It is unnecessary to spend large amounts of money and, above all, avoid falling into the marketing of materialism or the aesthetic canons that society and social networks want to impose on us. In addition to a balanced diet, exercise, and sleep well, taking care of your hair, skin, and teeth and practicing good hygiene is essential. You can include in the daily routine products that help you keep your skin clean and hydrated, and a tip that you can take is to apply sunscreen every day.

Rose water for soft skin and avocado or coconut oil for silky hair are just a few recommendations. Using natural products to create your self-care routine can improve your overall health and save money. Other practices you can incorporate to feel good include lighting a candle, taking a bath with salts, dedicating fifteen minutes to a facial massage or mask, and spraying a spray on your pillow for better sleep. Acts that may seem insignificant, but in the end, bring rewards.

Do not Forget to Take Care and Protect your Mind

Paying more attention to how we feel is a fundamental step to start practicing self-care. You can start by dedicating small spaces for yourself, whether to exercise, meditate, read something you like, go to your favorite restaurant, enjoy the sunset, etc. It is essential that you identify and become aware of the well-being that these small gestures bring you.

Try to move daily; a sedentary lifestyle kills; opt for a walk, jogging, yoga, gym, etc. Add more nature to your life; you can decorate your house with some plants or look for parks in your city. Detoxify yourself from technology and work, and try to be more present in reality and less on your phone; these steps will positively influence your mental well-being.

Thus, self-care encompasses many aspects and should be an essential part of life to be healthy and look and feel good about ourselves. On this topic, at a macro level, the WHO Guidelines on self-care interventions for health and well-being, recommends various self-care actions and highlights the importance of promoting the active participation of people in their health.