WHY IS SELF CARE SO IMPORTANT

1. Improved physical health: Deciding to take that walk or engage in that exercise class is a great tangible step to help yourself even if you don’t know where to start with your mental well-being. Taking care of your body by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can help reduce the risk of many health issues. A bonus is the release of endorphins, which create better head space and release emotions physically.
2. Improved mental health: Mental health is multi-faceted. Self-care can also improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection can boost mood and overall well-being. Who doesn’t experience mental health strain sometimes including brain fog or disinterest in activities. Mental health may include talking to a trusted nonbiased person to validate your concerns. Relaxation may mean the few minutes you can step away and listen to the birds and wind, or notice something meaningful to stay present when your mind wants to hijack you on purpose.
3. Increased productivity: When you take the time to care for yourself, you are better equipped to handle the daily demands of life. Maybe this is the demands of school/work or the home and kids. This leads to increased productivity and better performance in all areas of your life. Let’s not forget the patience you need to balance life’s demands and the “not good enough” thoughts that keep you captive.
4. Better relationships: Self-care can also improve your relationships with others. When you are in a good place mentally and emotionally, you can connect with others, empathize, and communicate effectively. When your mind in clear and calm you can approach even difficult conversations with responses rather than reactions. Others will notice how you show up yourself, be authentic, and invest in growing your relationships or weeding through those that don’t offer the health you need.
5. Greater self-awareness: Taking the time to focus on yourself can help you develop a greater sense of self-awareness. When you are in tune with your values, your strengths, from place of rest, you can see the world through increased confidence and boundary setting that honors your true self. Maybe you have lived decades and are just realized you have filled the needs of everyone else you forgot to make space to learn who YOU are. You know your areas of strength and areas of growth. This can lead to better decision-making and a deeper understanding of your values, goals, and priorities.