Everyday, we do things that allow us to take care of ourselves, such as brushing our teeth, taking a shower, or washing our hands. These actions are categorized under a single title - “self-care”. Self-care is a holistic practice which helps us in taking care of our mental and physical health and is encouraged for anyone and everyone.

No, it is not a selfish act, and no, self-care is not time-consuming, and no, self-care is not a feminine activity, and no, self-care is not a “luxury” which needs to be earned, and no, self-care is not only for those who are dealing with mental illnesses. Let us push past these misconceptions and understand WHY self-care is important for anyone, and everyone.

With our everyday lives getting more and more hectic, that burnt out feeling becomes pretty common, often leading to greater mental and physical pressure. Self care allows us to take care of our mental and physical well-being, thus leading to greater energy and resilience, less stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall quality of life, as well as our relations with family and friends.

Self-care practices range from one individual to another, and can be as simple as reading or listening to music or can even include physical activities such as exercise or yoga. Here are some basic self-care tips to help you start your journey towards a healthier life:

Exercising on a daily basis

Many may not wish to incorporate heavy movement activities into their routine. But in reality, exercising can simply consist of a short walk every day to help boost our mood and keep our body going. Even a small amount of exercise leads to grand results.

Healthy food = Good life

While a good burger and fries sound like a ‘dream’ meal to have every day, it is always important to maintain a balanced diet, which consists of a balance between proteins, fibre, minerals, and vitamins with a side of 6-8 cups of water, every day.

Prioritise sleep

Sticking to a schedule and getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night leads to a better day ahead. Getting a good sleep reduces the chances of feeling drowsy or burnt out. Reducing screen time before going to bed can be the first step towards achieving a good night's sleep.

Set goals and priorities

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being means knowing your work capacity. Setting up small goals for the day can help reduce work load and make it easier to finish allocated tasks for each day.

Stay connected

Reaching out to family and friends, who can provide emotional support, leads to less burdened feelings and can even enhance one’s attachment with their family members.

Maintain a journal

Keeping a journal often serves as a therapeutic activity. It helps cope with inner conflicts and provides a safe space to express one’s thoughts and emotions, if they are uncomfortable to share with others.

Sticking to such habits can take time. However, starting small and staying consistent can lead to greater and positive changes towards one’s mental and physical well-being. Start with one practice, continue doing it and then slowly add more activities as you go on. It’s not about being perfect, but about prioritising your mental and physical well-being.