The importance of self-care.

Self-care is just as it suggests, it is all about taking care of yourself. It is anything you do to take care of you so you can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. Self-care activities can help to cut down everyday stress, maintain a healthy work life balance and to help you refocus.

You need to prioritise your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing – it is important.

Taking time for self-care can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems. It may also help prevent some problems from developing or getting worse.

Self-care can be broken down into different categories and we should all try and fulfil them all on a regular basis:

• Emotional self-care, such as some self-pampering like a bubble bath, saying “no” to things that could potentially cause unnecessary stress, giving yourself permission to pause, or setting up a weekly coffee catch up with a friend

• Physical self-care, such as making sleep a priority, maintaining an exercise routine you can stick with, choosing healthy and nourishing foods over highly processed ones – don’t forget my last blog – Happy Hormone Food

• Spiritual self-care, such as attending a religious service, spending time outside enjoying some fresh air, meditating, or keeping a gratitude journal

Self-care can be split into two categories: temporary and enduring.

An example of temporary self-care would be meeting a friend for a walk and a coffee. You will benefit from the social connection, but it will not last for very long after you part ways.

Enduring self-care, on the other hand, has more permanent effects. an example of this is practicing mindfulness regularly because it leads to brain changes.

Using a self-care box can help ground you and bring you back to the present moment. Using your senses to help ease any triggers and help you focus on calmer emotions.

Some ideas for your self care box include:

·         eye mask - blocking out the light can help you rely on your other senses

·         note book or reflection book and pen- journaling has a multitude of benefits, writing down triggers can help understand them better

·         journal stickers- brighten up your reflections book, use to highlight key points

·         hand cream – using both smell and touch this has an instant calming effect

·         scented candle – awakening the sense of smell

·         hot chocolate- a hug in a mug, warm, sweet, and comforting

·         mindful colouring cards – a therapeutic way to switch the mind off, stop it racing by focusing on a calming colouring activity

·         chocolates – a sweet treat to enjoy mindfully, focus on how it tastes as you savour it

·         motivational cards- remind yourself of some positivity, there for encouragement when you need a little PROMPT

·         herbal tea – in true British fashion things seem better after a cuppa, this a calming alternative