“Self care” is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, but it can be hard to pin down what it exactly entails. What does self care really mean? How do we know if we are taking good care of ourselves?
Well, self care is a concept which, by far, has no single definition. A broad term encompassing the idea of recharge and recovery, self care generally refers to anything one can do to improve or preserve their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
It is important for us to establish that no matter how indulgent the term may sound, self care is certainly not synonymous with selfishness or self-indulgence. Many of us tend to feel guilty for thinking that we need to take a break in life to rejuvenate and make ourselves feel better – but look, taking the time to check in with our minds and bodies is far from being selfish.
When we look after our minds and bodies, the effects manifest throughout our lives. We become better versions of ourselves – be it in our personal lives or work. Not to mention, it makes a positive difference to the people in our social sphere too. After all, well-being is contagious.
Self Care in the Time of COVID-19
Between grappling with the uncertainties of what the future holds and adapting to the new normal, COVID-19 has given us plenty of reasons to feel anxious, negative and stressed over the past year. Just when the numbers started to trend down, and Singaporeans gradually returned to a sense of normalcy, new COVID variants threw new threats and revealed that we are far from out of the woods. In a time of coping with stress, fear and anxiety, self care may seem frivolous – but the truth is that it is more important than ever before. With everything that is happening around us, the prime time for self care is now!
Rethink Your Self Care Routine With These Tips
Since self care is a highly individual practice, there aren’t any one-size-fits-all strategies or best ways to approach the routine. For some people, self care means whisking away to luxurious spa sessions and indulging in full-blown retail therapy. For others, taking a daily walk with their pets in the park or treating themselves to a bubble bath could be the greatest act of self care. So go easy on yourself and do whatever floats your boat – as long as it works for you.
If you are unsure of where to start, don’t fret. Here is a rundown of our best self care tips, including small lifestyle changes that can help you stay happy, healthy and resilient.
1. Don’t Skimp on Sleep
Getting adequate sleep is the foundation of all self-care endeavours – all the stress relief activities will not work if you don’t give your body the rest it needs. Take care of your basic needs first above all else.
2. Keep Yourself Accountable With a To-Do List
If having a structured routine helps you stay focused and get things done, plan out a to-do list. Break your day into chunks, indicate your priorities and don’t forget to carve out a few moments for your favourite activities. This not only gives you an opportunity to see what is ahead but also enables you to build in time to relax and unwind.
3. Keep Fit
Fitness and exercise are important parts of any self care routine – for scientific reasons. Exercise increases cardiovascular activity and bumps up the production of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, or what we call endorphins, which are found to have a direct impact on stress levels. So go on and hit the ground running.
4. Stay on Top of Your Game With the Best Selling Collagen in Japan
Nourish yourself from the inside out by incorporating Hakubi Collagen Pills or Hakubi Collagen Drink into your daily ritual. These Japanese collagen supplements contain plenty of skin-boosting benefits, such as improved skin hydration and elasticity.
When you look good, you naturally feel good. And you will find yourself oozing with confidence, ready to take on anything life throws at you.
Final Remarks
Self care is an absolutely necessary part of living a healthy and meaningful life. So be kind to yourself, allow good and nourishing things into your life and make self care a priority today.
