How many of you have experienced burnout while in college? How many of you take time out for yourself during the day to reflect on your day?
In a world which is constantly moving at a breakneck pace, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves and get lost in the hustle. Due to us being preoccupied with our studies, assignments, responsibilities, and relationships, we forget to prioritise our health and well-being.
Self-care is essential for our overall health. When we neglect ourselves, our bodies suffer. We become tired, run-down, and prone to illness. We may experience headaches, back pain, and other physical symptoms. By taking the time to care for our bodies, we can prevent these problems from arising. We can eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and take breaks when we need them.
Psych Central defines self-care as “any activity that we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health”
Self-care is not just for physical health, it is also crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. When we neglect ourselves, we may experience stress, anxiety, and depression. We may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unable to cope with our day-to-day experiences. By taking the time to care for our minds and emotions, we can reduce these negative feelings and improve our overall quality of life.
Taking care of our bodies includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. Taking care of your physical health is essential for your overall well-being.
Make time for relaxation, whether it's taking a bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music, make time to unwind and relax. This can help reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
Practising mindfulness: Mindfulness is being present in the moment, without judgment. This can be done through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes to focus on your breath.
Connect with others: Spending time with loved ones can be a great way to practice self-care.
Pursuing a hobby: Engaging in a hobby you enjoy can be a great way to practice self-care. This might include things like painting, writing, gardening, or cooking.
Seek professional help: If one is struggling with a mental health issue or experiencing a lot of stress, seeking professional help can be an important part of self-care.
Unfortunately, many of us feel guilty or selfish when we prioritise ourselves. We may believe that we don't have time for self-care, or that it is indulgent and unnecessary. But the truth is, when we take care of ourselves, we are better able to take care of others. We are more patient, compassionate, and present. We can give more to our jobs, our families, and our communities.
I have started taking time for myself by journaling and writing down my feelings on paper as a way to acknowledge and reflect on myself and my thoughts. This has helped me feel more at peace and also more clear about my emotions.
If you dont practice self-care daily, you are more prone to frequent headaches, stomachaches, other symptoms of stress, burnout, difficulty falling asleep, being impatient, difficulty concentrating, reduction in performance, less motivation to engage in social activities etc.
Whatever form it takes, self-care is a way of honouring yourself and your needs. It is a way of saying, "I matter, and my well-being is important."
It's not selfish or indulgent to prioritize our well-being instead it's necessary for living a happy and fulfilling life. Take 10 minutes out of your time every single day to figure out what works best for you, and make self-care a regular part of your routine. So I urge you to make self-care a priority in your life. Start small, and find ways to take care of yourself every day.
When you take care of yourself, you are taking care of the most important person in your life - You!
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