The Edition
facebook icon twitter icon instagram icon linkedin icon

Latest

How to prioritize self-care while on the go

23 February 2022, MVT 09:46
Self-care doesn't necessarily have to entail significant lifestyle adjustments -- Photo: Mihaaru
23 February 2022, MVT 09:46

Self-care is a notion that we've been hearing about a lot lately. Today's world often feels out of our control, and individuals are dealing with feelings of isolation, worry, and anxiety about the future. "Before aiding others, please put on your own oxygen mask!" Many of us have heard this crucial guideline on flight safety recordings, but it's a good reminder of the significance of self-care: if you don't take care of yourself first, you won't be able to help others.

"What is self-care?" everyone seems to be asking. "What are some self-care suggestions that I may utilize to look after my mind, body, and soul?"

These questions seem even more relevant with the ongoing pandemic that has upended life as we knew it. Whether you are in quarantine for an extended period of time or whether you have the privilege to travel in a pandemic, prioritizing self-care is important.

Self-care improves your ability to achieve your goals and enrich the lives of those around you when you practice it physically, emotionally, and mentally. You're able to focus on the positive aspects of life, build your resilience, and perceive light where darkness formerly existed. Then you'll be able to make a positive difference in the world.

Everyone's definition of self-care is different. What one person finds relaxing may be stressful to another. An extrovert may find interacting with friends to be a beneficial kind of self-care, whilst an introvert may find it depleting. However, there are some general guidelines that will assist you in imagining your own answer to the question, "What is self-care?"

Firstly, it is good to actively schedule time for yourself. The excuses we often make for not practicing self-care may include: "we don't have time", "we don't know what to do", "we'd rather be binge-watching Netflix or cleaning the house".

It can be difficult to figure out what self-care techniques work for you if you aren't used to taking care of yourself. If this is the case, setting aside "me time" on a daily or weekly basis will be beneficial. It has to come with intention and with the right mindset to encourage self-motivation.

Secondly, it is good to get physical. Changing your physical condition from inactive to active is a gratifying way to take care of yourself, whether it's going for a run, swimming, or taking a yoga class. It could even be as simple as taking a walk during your lunch break. Make sure that whatever self-care suggestions you choose to use bring you at least some happiness. It's not self-care to force yourself to jog every morning if you're miserable the entire time.

Lastly, learn to cultivate an attitude of abundance rather than focus on what's wrong. This is potentially one of the most life-changing self-care concepts you can implement. Reframing your thinking and altering your focus is a time-consuming process. But, if you succeed, you'll find more joy and fulfilment in all aspects of your life.

What the body is fed, is another crucial aspect of self-care. Nutrition goes hand in hand with the ability to focus better, preserve energy and focus intentionally in all areas of life. While it's fine to indulge every now and then, consider self-care in the form of more sustainable foods like leafy greens, alkaline foods, and products that make you feel energized and powerful. Reframe food as fuel for your body, rather than as a reward.

Self-care doesn't necessarily have to entail significant lifestyle adjustments. Self-care is a highly personal and individual experience. What matters is to incorporate the self-care suggestions that speak to you and provide you with inner serenity. Finding hobbies and activities that you enjoy and devoting time to them will lead to a more fulfilling life. Whether it's reading a nice book in a bubble bath or going on a 10-mile run; the way that you’d like to participate in self-care is entirely up to you.

Share this story

Discuss

MORE ON LIFESTYLE