When was the last time you consciously did something just for yourself? Do you have to think about it for a long time now? Then it's time for more self-care in your life. Because you are important, your body is unique, and your health is worth protecting. But how do you make time for yourself? Find out here.
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Self-care – what is it exactly?
We all know caring people. They look after the needs of others, are helpful, and immediately recognize when someone is lacking something. Self-care means that you apply these characteristics to yourself as well. In other words, that your goals, dreams, and health don't take a back seat. This isn't always easy, as it's quick for the needs of others to become more important than our own. Often, parents do everything to fulfill their children's wishes. That's fine, as long as they maintain a balance with their own needs.
Thus, self-care also means taking responsibility for one's own life and has nothing to do with selfishness. It is rather a prerequisite for providing good assistance to other people. Because only a happy person can help others find happiness.
Why is 'Self Care' actually important?
From personal hygiene to a good sense of well-being, all of this contributes to self-care and brings several benefits:
- Researchers at the University of Koblenz-Landau found that a self-care seminar improved stress management. The positive effects were still noticeable after three years, as the participants had changed their behavior. Stress, in turn, is a factor that can influence burnout, gastrointestinal diseases, and diabetes.
- Those who take care of themselves are actively engaging in prevention. Exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep prevent many illnesses.
- Even with existing illnesses, more mindfulness for oneself is really beneficial. For example, in cases of joint pain, a "me-time" with a walk or a soothing bath can alleviate the symptoms.
- Even your fellow human beings benefit when you think of yourself daily, because only those who have enough energy, good mood, and well-being can also take care of the worries of others.
In plain text: Through self-care, you don't become selfish, but rather do something for your physical and psychological health. This way, you are full of energy and a good contact person for other people.
5 tips for self-care in your daily life
So how does self-care work? We have some small tips for you to help you take your happiness into your own hands.
Tip 1: Listen to your body
Self-care is actually innate. But over time, we ignore internal signals, because societal norms sometimes force us to suppress needs. This is not yet the case with children. We can therefore take them as good role models. Small children say when they are hungry, when they want something to drink, and act on their urge to move. At least babies also sleep when they are tired. Most adults no longer follow these needs, but rather clock times, appointments, and the wishes of others. In the long run, this is not healthy. Therefore, listen to your body and ask yourself questions like: How do I feel? Am I thirsty? Does my body need a break or rather exercise?
Tip 2: Healthy eating and sufficient sleep are not optional
A diet that meets your needs and sufficient sleep are prerequisites for health and energy. Both may seem to involve more effort and time at first, but that's a misconception. Because well-rested and energized, you can accomplish tasks at work and in everyday life much better. If you lack B vitamins, for example, your concentration is limited. This means you need more time for the same work.
Tip 3: Learn to appreciate and love yourself
Your health is not a given. Day after day, your immune system, your metabolism, and every cell work hard for it. It's high time to be grateful for that and treat your body with respect. You should be able to forgive the imperfectly shaped little toe, the slightly protruding ears, or a small layer of fat in the wrong place. If you appreciate yourself as you are, it will be much easier for you to overlook supposed flaws. It can be helpful here to remind yourself more often how wonderful your body actually is. Self-care thus also includes self-love.
Tip 4: Make time for yourself
Freely available time is almost a luxury for many. But you have to grant yourself this luxury. Because you need time for yourself to be able to fulfill all your other roles well. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to be alone. You can also consciously spend time for yourself with a girlfriend or a friend. The important thing is that you can relax. Take a breath before the needs of others claim you again. To have this freedom, you occasionally have to be able to say no.
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Tip 5: Clarify goals
What are your dreams, thoughts, and goals for now and for your entire life? If you are aware of what you want to achieve, you can pursue your goals much better and use your "me-time" effectively for them. You can also sort out what doesn't contribute to them. An everyday example: You've realized that you're not getting enough sleep and your goal is to have more energy for the day. The end of the series you're only watching to be able to talk about it at the office is no longer so important. Instead, you go to bed earlier, taking good care of yourself.
Conclusion: Self-care
Self-care has nothing to do with selfishness. On the contrary, it ensures that you are not burned out and can therefore genuinely care for and worry about other people. This means consciously taking responsibility for your life and happiness, because neither should depend on anyone else. Mindfulness, self-love, and self-awareness are closely linked to self-care.
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