Self-care isn't selfish
In times of stress or burnout, it can be difficult to switch off and concentrate on what's most important: you. It's time to take care of yourself.
The modern world is busy, noisy and ever-so-distracting, which can make taking time out to administer some much-needed self-care difficult. Many of us feel selfish for even thinking about spending time on ourselves. But giving yourself the rest and nurturing you need can be life-changing.
What is self-care?
The Self Care Forum, which organises the annual Self-Care Week, defines self-care as:
"The actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness."
If you're experiencing a period of stress, or are worried that your usual routine is leading you towards burnout, self-care is a must. Below we've outlined five of our favourite ways to self-care. They are designed to be practical, easy to fit into your life and very effective.
1. Go outside
Taking a walk in your local park, forest or green space is proven to decrease the low feelings humans experience. Don't just take our word for it; take a look at the results from this 2015 study.
The benefits of fresh air are well-documented and yet not all of us are making the most of it. Whether it's a short power walk during your lunchtime or a meandering stroll at the weekend, we all have time to venture outdoors.
2. Choose an active hobby
We've picked 'active' hobbies because while there is absolutely nothing wrong with watching the latest Netflix release or playing a computer game (in fact, those are also a form of self-care), your body and mind will benefit more from something a little bit healthier. Opting for a physical activity, such as running or yoga, will not only boost your physical health, but it will make positive changes to your mental health too.
Alternatively, pick something more creative, such as painting or photography. Who knows? You might even pick up a new passion as a result.
3. Live in the moment
So much good can come from learning to live in the moment. Research has shown that it enables us to curb our negative emotions and can make us better parents, to name just two things.
A cornerstone of improved mental health is mindfulness. That's the art (and science) of letting go of the things that worry you and living more in the present, from one moment to the next.
Mindfulness can leave you better placed to deal with any challenges that life throws at you, whether personal or professional. If you'd like to give it a try but aren't sure where to begin, mindful journal That Was Now can help you to develop mindfulness techniques and become fully present in every moment.
4. Talk it through
Talking to others about the things that are bothering you is a great form of self-care. No good ever comes from allowing negative emotions to build up inside of you. Whether you choose to call a friend, a family member or to book a session with a therapist or counsellor, having somebody else there to bounce your feelings off will help you to think more clearly and build your resilience.
5. Meditate
Thriving at Work, a government-backed report published in October 2017 that focuses on mental health and employers, found that up to 300,000 people every year leave their jobs due to mental health problems. The report offers a number of recommendations, including meditation, with the NHS also recommending the activity as a way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation tackles burnout head-on, teaching you to both relax but also to become more self-aware. It is this self-awareness that will enable you to build greater resilience towards life's challenges and to alleviate periods of anxiety. The more self-aware you become, the better you'll be at recognising signs of burnout or a lack of self-care, allowing you to take action.
We should all take time out for self-care; what steps will you take to build it into your everyday life?
Self-Care Week 2017 takes place 13th - 19th November.
The modern world is busy, noisy and ever-so-distracting, which can make taking time out to administer some much-needed self-care difficult. Many of us feel selfish for even thinking about spending time on ourselves. But giving yourself the rest and nurturing you need can be life-changing.
What is self-care?
The Self Care Forum, which organises the annual Self-Care Week, defines self-care as:
"The actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness."
If you're experiencing a period of stress, or are worried that your usual routine is leading you towards burnout, self-care is a must. Below we've outlined five of our favourite ways to self-care. They are designed to be practical, easy to fit into your life and very effective.
1. Go outside
Taking a walk in your local park, forest or green space is proven to decrease the low feelings humans experience. Don't just take our word for it; take a look at the results from this 2015 study.
The benefits of fresh air are well-documented and yet not all of us are making the most of it. Whether it's a short power walk during your lunchtime or a meandering stroll at the weekend, we all have time to venture outdoors.
2. Choose an active hobby
We've picked 'active' hobbies because while there is absolutely nothing wrong with watching the latest Netflix release or playing a computer game (in fact, those are also a form of self-care), your body and mind will benefit more from something a little bit healthier. Opting for a physical activity, such as running or yoga, will not only boost your physical health, but it will make positive changes to your mental health too.
Alternatively, pick something more creative, such as painting or photography. Who knows? You might even pick up a new passion as a result.
3. Live in the moment
So much good can come from learning to live in the moment. Research has shown that it enables us to curb our negative emotions and can make us better parents, to name just two things.
A cornerstone of improved mental health is mindfulness. That's the art (and science) of letting go of the things that worry you and living more in the present, from one moment to the next.
Mindfulness can leave you better placed to deal with any challenges that life throws at you, whether personal or professional. If you'd like to give it a try but aren't sure where to begin, mindful journal That Was Now can help you to develop mindfulness techniques and become fully present in every moment.
4. Talk it through
Talking to others about the things that are bothering you is a great form of self-care. No good ever comes from allowing negative emotions to build up inside of you. Whether you choose to call a friend, a family member or to book a session with a therapist or counsellor, having somebody else there to bounce your feelings off will help you to think more clearly and build your resilience.
5. Meditate
Thriving at Work, a government-backed report published in October 2017 that focuses on mental health and employers, found that up to 300,000 people every year leave their jobs due to mental health problems. The report offers a number of recommendations, including meditation, with the NHS also recommending the activity as a way to reduce stress and anxiety.
Meditation tackles burnout head-on, teaching you to both relax but also to become more self-aware. It is this self-awareness that will enable you to build greater resilience towards life's challenges and to alleviate periods of anxiety. The more self-aware you become, the better you'll be at recognising signs of burnout or a lack of self-care, allowing you to take action.
We should all take time out for self-care; what steps will you take to build it into your everyday life?
Self-Care Week 2017 takes place 13th - 19th November.
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Can living in the 'now' make you a better parent?
Curb your anger by living in the moment
Header image via Pexels.com
Article by: Katy Ratican
Date published: 7th November 2017
Can living in the 'now' make you a better parent?
Curb your anger by living in the moment
Header image via Pexels.com
Article by: Katy Ratican
Date published: 7th November 2017
