Wellbeing tip #1: embrace self-care

The first of a monthly series where I’ll offer some suggestions for tools and strategies that can help with our well-being.

Each one of us is different, and what one person finds helpful, may not resonate with others. 

We may find that what has helped previously, may not be connecting with us in the same way in the present.

Or you may have a well-established set of tools that are ‘tried and trusted’, but you’d like to add some more.

It is my hope that these tips will give you some ideas. 

January: embrace self-care

What does self-care mean to you? 

It might be a cup of tea whilst sat under a blanket reading a book or watching a boxset (that might be old school terminology!). 

It might be a long bath, with candles and your favourite music playing, or listening to a podcast.

Or it could be a long walk, taking time to be in the outdoors, with the sights and sounds of nature.

It can mean spending time with loved ones, or spending time with yourself; time to relax, breathe and recharge.

Self-care can mean different things to different people, and it can also change from day to day.

It can also be something that we know will benefit us but can get lost in amongst the busy-ness and pressures of the day.  Other jobs and requirements make their way on the ‘must-do’ or ‘to-do’ list, and practising self-care, slowly finds itself moving further and further down the list.

It can also be a misconception that taking time for yourself, is a ‘luxury’, particularly in a world that can be fast-moving and ever-changing.  However, I would suggest that prioritising self-care isn’t a luxury, but instead, is a necessity, and one that we all deserve to take part in and enjoy.

Self-care is about honouring your needs and providing yourself with the time and space to meet them. 

It is an expression of self-love and of recognising your worth. 

It’s about self-compassion and self-nurture. 

It’s about replenishment; restoring your energy and being.

It’s about giving yourself the same love and attention that you give to others.

Practising self-care can increase our resilience for the world and the challenges we may face. 

It can also support our physical health, with it providing the body with a chance to rest, to recharge.

It can reduce feelings of burnout or exhaustion.

It can improve our relationships not only with others, as we have more emotional energy available, but also with ourselves, and our feelings of self-esteem and worth.

It can reduce stress and improve our mood.

Above all though, self-care is important because (at the risk of sounding like a certain hair brand company) you’re worth it!

So, as we reach the end of January, why not try to carve out a bit of time, even if it is just a few minutes, to do something for you.

You could perhaps set yourself a challenge to try to do it once a week to see how it feels.  Or rather than short moments here and there, you might want to take a whole day once a month.

There is no right or wrong; it’s about what works for you.

With self-care that moment is yours.