The science of self-care: how taking time for yourself benefits your health
|Published
In recent years, self-care and mental health have taken centre stage in wellness, changing how we live. Understanding and practising self-care is crucial for overall well-being.
It’s not just about staying physically healthy; it’s about caring for your emotional, social, and intellectual health too. By busting the myths and misconceptions about self-care, we can truly appreciate its importance and make it a part of our daily lives.
Self-care isn’t a luxury or an act of selfishness. It’s a necessary step to maintain health and well-being, allowing us to be our best selves in every part of life.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, diving into a good book, meditating or spending time with loved ones, it’s vital to make self-care a priority amid life’s challenges.
Each person’s path to wellness is unique, so it’s important to take it one step at a time, celebrate each milestone, and be gentle with yourself.
Self-care, after all, is the ultimate expression of self-love.
According to “Psychology Today”, self-care includes:
Cognitive restructuring/reframing: Silencing the inner toxic thoughts and practising self-compassion.
Lifestyle medicine: Focusing on sleep, nutrition, hydration and exercise habits.
Community: Spending time with loved ones and having a support system.
Leisure and fun: Find activities that allow you to lose track of time and enjoy the moment.
Quiet space: Creating a place away from distractions, screens and duties.
In an essay posted on LinkedIn, Bonita Eby wrote: “Self-care plays a significant role in keeping oneself physically and emotionally healthy. When self-care strategies are used, it increases a person’s self-worth and allows them to feel more resilient when stressful situations occur.”
Self-care isn’t just about adding things to our lives. Sometimes, it means choosing to eliminate activities and responsibilities for better health.
Eby suggested creating a “no” list of things you no longer want to do, like not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t enjoy, and not answering your phone during meals.
We live in a world where self-care often gets pushed to the back burner. However, taking time for yourself is not just a luxury; it’s essential for your overall health.
The science behind self-care shows how it can benefit your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Ignoring self-care, on the other hand, can lead to burnout and various health issues, affecting people differently based on their life stages and roles, whether they’re students, professionals or parents.
A few years ago, I had the chance to speak to South African business executive turned wellness coach and author, Nicky Rowbotham. Her journey from corporate life to wellness coaching was driven by a near-death experience caused by constant overworking and running on empty.
Rowbotham pointed out that understanding and practising self-care is crucial.
“Paying attention to what your body is telling you is key. Being in tune with your mind and body will help you make better decisions overall and become more resilient,” she shared.
When we don’t take care of ourselves, it manifests in various ways: Imagine trying to drive a car without any fuel. Just like a car, your body can’t function at its best without proper care.
For students: Neglecting self-care might mean sleepless nights staying up late to study, skipping meals, and not taking breaks can result in burnout and a decline in mental health. Neglecting self-care can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and poor academic performance.
For professionals: Constantly working without breaks and not setting boundaries can lead to job dissatisfaction and health problems. In the workplace, a lack of self-care can cause exhaustion, decreased productivity, and a weakened immune system.
Parents: Who don’t prioritise self-care might experience extreme fatigue, stress, and a sense of being overwhelmed. This can affect their ability to care for their children and maintain healthy family relationships find themselves overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy time with their children..
Rowbotham highlighted an essential aspect of self-care during our conversation. “Society has already written what our future should look like, ‘work until you drop’.
“We need to break away from the shackles of people’s shoulds, expectations, and narratives and redefine a path to success and health on our terms,” she said.
Self-care is about more than just pampering yourself; it’s about listening to your body and mind and giving them what they need to function optimally.
It’s about making choices that benefit your overall well-being and learning to say no to things that drain your energy. By prioritising self-care, you can lead a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Self-care is often associated with obvious benefits like reduced stress and improved physical health, but several lesser-known advantages can significantly enhance our well-being:
Improved emotional resilience: Regular self-care practices help build emotional strength, making it easier to handle life’s challenges and setbacks with grace and patience.
Enhanced creativity: Taking time for yourself can lead to increased creativity. When you’re relaxed and free from stress, your mind is more open to new ideas and innovative solutions.
Greater self-awareness: Engaging in self-care activities encourages introspection, helping you better understand your needs, desires, and emotions. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and making informed decisions.
Prevention of burnout: Regular self-care can prevent burnout by ensuring you’re not constantly depleting your physical, emotional, and mental resources. It allows you to recharge and maintain a sustainable pace in life. helping you think more clearly and make better decisions.
Promotion of positive self-image: When you take care of yourself, you reinforce the message that you are valuable and deserving of care. This can lead to a more positive self-image and increased self-esteem.