Self-Care in 2024, for Beginners

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self-care is a process that empowers us to look after our own health efficiently and conveniently. Please note that Self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish.

Self-care requires checking in with yourself and asking yourself how you’re doing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some people use it to deal with difficult news stories, while others practice self-care just to maintain their happiness day to day. Different people will adopt different self-care practices, and even your own definition might change over time.

Self-care does not mean the same thing for everyone.

According to researchers, self-care strategies allow people to be more resilient, improving their quality of life. In our daily hectic work routines, it’s important to often take a break and rest our mind. Following are a few ideas for you to try-

Self-care does not have to cost anything — it’s just doing things you enjoy. “Stepping outside and taking a deep breath, for example, might be the greatest act of self-care.”

In my journey so far, I have learnt that self-care can broadly be categorized into following -

• Physical self-care — Exercise, eat healthy, get a massage.
• Mental self-care — Explore a hobby, laugh, cry.
• Spiritual self-care — Sing, practice forgiveness, do yoga.
• Intellectual self-care — Learn a new skill, read a book, set goals.
• Financial self-care — plan your budget, spend mindfully.
• Social self-care — Set boundaries, learn to say no, take a vacation.

Tips to help you practice self-care and help you be your better self:

Prioritize Sleep

Your mood and immune system Are impacted by your sleep cycle.

Forest Bath

Trees release certain chemicals, like terpenes, that have been associated with the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which sends your body into “chill-out” de-stress mode.
Walk in an area with trees and deeply inhale the air.

Avoid Mindless Snacking

Instead of self-imposed strict rules on what foods are off-limits, try intuitive eating by paying attention to what you are feeding your body.

Develop a ‘Don’t Do’ List

Take a few minutes to reflect on: What dragged you down? How can you do less of that?

Practice Positive Self-Talk

Appreciate the small tasks you do during the day and remember to tell yourself that you did a “good job”.

Practice Diaphragm Breathing

Do your breathing practice regularly to start or finish your day in a positive way.

Change Your Passwords

Change your passwords to Be ‘Your Mantra’- This one is good for your mental health and your digital security.

Cook Yourself a Nourishing Meal

Taking time to prepare a meal that satisfies your taste buds and is good for you is definitely one way to practice self-care.

The bottom line: Self-care can have a positive effect on your health and outlook, but it requires a commitment or intention to invest in your well-being. Let me know what other tips would you add to your self-care journey?

-Karishma