Why Self-Care Matters!
A few really good reasons why we could indulge in self care a little more .
An underrated concept, as the term suggests, Self-care is nothing more than caring for the self. In this day and age, people are busy, too busy. Self — care is often something people do not get a chance to engage in enough. I wrote this article after I read a great book called 'The Self Care Prescription' by Robin Gobyn. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
Self Care is surely something people could use extra helpings of. When one tries to define this very broad term, we realize that Self Care is more than just what it seems. Self Care takes on other whole dimensions while having its foundations based on the innate desires of a person to meet both their emotional needs and their physical needs as well.
Why do we need Self Care?
Self Care is known to many as doing mundane things like taking the time out of a busy day to get a pedicure, eat something nice, or read a magazine. Usually known as an activity that is both relaxing and calming in nature, many people naturally indulge in self-care without even knowing what it is.
The whole truth, of the matter is that Self Care is indeed a necessary facet of daily routine, and possibly a way to aid Self Therapy. When one is tuned in to their well-being and sense of positivity, miracles happen.
The 6 Dimensions of Self-Care
Self care is a relatively undefined concept, given that even though many people do know what it is they usually don’t care to place a label on it. However, even though many are not aware of the concept of Self Care, those who do indulge in it, know about its benefits.
According to Robyn Gobin, a noted self care practitioner from the US, the concept of self care has much to do with wellness. In her book entitled The Self Care Prescription, she mentions certain aspects of self care.
She talks at length about the holistic dimension of self care in her book, that it is more than just plonking down on the couch in front of the TV with a bag of chips. Self Care, seems to have lots to do with finding oneself amidst the ‘busyness’ of the world. According to Robyn, these are the notable areas of Self Care:
1. The Physical aspect of Self Care which involves things like exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
2. The Emotional aspect of Self Care, where one recognizes the fact that Life is hard and one deserves better. Emotional Self Care involves things like positive self-talk, things like long bubble baths, or even the permission one gives to pause in the middle of a busy day while saying no to things that stress you out unnecessarily.
3. The Vocational aspect of self care refers to those things we do to keep ourselves sane even at work.
4. The Spiritual aspect of self care is the basic understanding that there is something out there in the Universe that is larger than ourselves. It can include such broad things as maintaining a gratitude journal, meditating, and going to Church on Sundays. Sometimes the reminder that we have a higher purpose, helps to brighten our lives.
5. The Social Aspect of Self Care refers to the need for people to engage in social activity regularly. Sometimes something as simple as a chat with a friend on the phone, or going out to coffee with someone close can help to give a new perspective.
6. The Intellectual Aspect of Self Care includes things like playing a crossword puzzle. Better believe it, but when a person takes the time to stimulate their mind, by doing things like playing sudoku, it is also a form of self-care.
Robyn says that a big part of self-care is the capability to enjoy the micro-moments. Not exactly a strictly routine thing, one would want to indulge in more self-care practices if they understood the holistic value of this concept, and that it is inherently good.
What are the benefits of Self Care?
Better believe it, but there are benefits to prioritizing one’s happiness, and their health. The decision to nurture one’s Mind, Body, and Spirit is a good one. Some of the benefits of doing the same include:
Having a sense of Balance in life. People who have a sense of Balance in life feel that their lives have meaning, and they experience a sense of fulfillment in general.
Finding that everything we do has greater harmony. We have a better sense of inner peace and are in tune with what is happening in the world around us.
More Self love is one of the important benefits of self-care, which ensures that the persons concerned have more love towards themselves as individuals.
A renewed sense of Inner Peace in a calm atmosphere makes for a happier you.
Reduced Stress is yet another significant benefit of self-care. People who take care of themselves are less likely to be affected by stress in general and are usually happier overall.
Enhanced Spiritual Awareness Apart from believing that ‘It’s a small world after all?’ and that everything/everyone is connected, it helps to know that there is a higher power that watches over us and that ‘What goes around comes around’. When one takes part in self care, they are more likely to be aware of these realities.
Conclusion
Taking part in self-care now and then is a good thing. Understanding that rest has its place in our lives makes a huge difference! When a person indulges in any form of self care, they are likely to be more enlightened people.
People who, as mentioned above are enlightened spiritually, and also have a greater sense of harmony, and balance. People who flourish in the absence of stress, and who love themselves, the world around them, and the people they meet and interact with. Self Care ought to be a necessary part of everyone’s routine, given its importance. Self Care is a thing!
Again I recommend that people read this wonderful book. It will certainly make a difference in your life!
Like the way I write? I also have written some short fiction stories, should you like to check them out
Some of my articles got published in ILLUMINATION, hmm, would you like to check it out?
And finally, I wrote a book, that’s on Amazon, a little bit more about it:
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