Here’s why self-care is the new healthcare

Self-care remains, in every form, a personal choice that involves making certain changes and decisions to improve your daily lifestyle. It encompasses all the necessary steps you take to make sure that your body and soul are well cared for.

One of the most impactful facets of self-care involves self-love. In fact, it begins and ends with self-love.On the inside, consciously learning to love yourself includes continuously challenging your self-limiting internal dialogue, and how this causes you to show up for yourself in the world.

“Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first. When we nurture others from a place of fullness, we feel renewed.” – Jennifer Louden The Self-Care Trend.

• Move, in a Way You Love: Practice self-care by taking care of your physical body. This doesn’t mean you have to do cardio or go to the gym every day, but it does mean that you should explore ways in which you can incorporate movement into your daily life.

• Listen to your body: Some days may call for vigorous exercise, and others more gentle yoga or stretching.

• Mix it up: A balanced exercise regime can include everything from running, cardio and HIIT to yoga, pilates and dance.

• Get your people involved: In doing so, you can hold each other accountable while scheduling some healthy and wholesome quality time in the midst of your busy schedules.
• Rest & restore: Remember to dedicate at least one day a week to rest and recovery.

“Self-care does not have to cost anything – it’s just doing things you enjoy. And a lot of the things we enjoy or feel fulfilled from cost nothing.”

– Amsellem

Tend to Your Mind:

Our minds are incredibly powerful and can influence our physical and emotional well-being. The kinds of thoughts you have will directly affect your ability to process your emotions and daily stressors.

Here are some ways you can consciously work to nurture your mind:

• Practice positive self-talk: Be as gentle and kind to yourself as you would be to a beloved friend.
• Treat yourself: You deserve that manicure/day of reading at the pool you’ve been yearning for!
• Pace yourself: Try not to take on too many tasks at once, as this will ultimately cause you unnecessary stress.
• Seek out inspiration: Choose a book, movie, or podcast that you can return to daily for renewed motivation.
• Try a contemplative practice:There are so many options to be found online and, in your community, with meditation, journaling, yoga, gratitude and pranayama (breathing exercises) top of our list.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes – including you.”

– Anne Lamott

By Chantell Claasen