What is self-care? It is the anecdote to stress, the secret to achieving a healthy mind and body.
You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” mentioned on the television and mainstream media. The NHS blog discusses “self-care” as a way of managing minor health conditions by yourself eg headaches, coughs and colds.
But in this context, self-care is about lifestyle and taking time out for yourself. Self-care is not a selfish practice but a selfless one.
By looking after yourself, you are more likely to be a supportive, kind and compassionate person. Self-care is the anecdote to the negative impact of stress.
Look after yourself
When people say “look after yourself”, there’s good reason for this comment. Few people practice enough self-care.
Despite the overwhelming statistics on stress, people push through when they need to let go. Looking after yourself is not that hard.
One in 14 UK adults (7%) feel stressed every single day (CIPHR)
Achieving balance
What are you doing for yourself to achieve balance in your life? In other words, do you have a self-care strategy of your own?
If not, here are some useful tips to help you cope with stress and overwhelm. You can gradually implement these principles in your daily life.
However, this is not to be taken as Medical advice. If you are experiencing mental or physical symptoms that are concerning you, it is best to consult your General Practitioner or Medical professional.
Despite their simplicity, I have found these tips extremely useful. Your self-care strategy doesn’t have to be complicated!
1. Stay in control
Stay in control of your life situation. This means finding solutions to your problems, but this is not always possible.
So, in order to stay in control, you have to be present. Otherwise solutions wont come to you and your mind will be remain cluttered.
You don’t have to know the answer to everything in your life. Problems and solutions seem to come and go.
2. Connect with People
A good network of friends and family can ease your troubles. Talking things through with a friend may help you find solutions if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
But even if that type of supportive friendship is not possible, staying connected with friends and family can make you feel better!
I say “can” because sometimes with family especially, it can go the other way………
3. Practicing presence
You can practice presence by watching your mind. Become aware of your thoughts coming and going in your mind.
The more you practice presence, you access the power of now. “The Power of Now” is a book written by Eckhart Tolle.
Presence is NOT the same as thinking, when your mind is very active. Presence starts with alertness, you become aware of your sense perceptions: Sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
And what’s going on around you. Gradually you expand your awareness and become aware of your surroundings.
Listen to your thoughts and don’t just observe them, but also the silence in which they appear. It helps to anchor some attention inside your body.
This prevents your mind from running away. By holding some attention within the body, you can ground yourself in present moment awareness.
4. Learning new skills
Setting goals and learning new skills helps you to build confidence and overcome stress. This makes life more fulfilling.
It also makes life more enjoyable when you grow as a person. And by learning a new skill, you can improve other areas of your life.
5. Breathing deeply
Belly breathing is an exercise that helps you release stress, tension and negativity. I have shared with you the breathing exercises for stress taken from the NHS website below.
- Let your breath flow as deep down into your belly as is comfortable, without pushing or forcing it.
2. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
3. Breathe in gently and regularly. Some people find it helpful to count steadily from 1 to 5. You may not be able to reach 5 at first.
4. Then let it flow out gently, counting from 1 to 5 again, if you find this helpful.
5. Keep doing this for at least 5 minutes.
