Self-care is a term we are all becoming more familiar with—but what is it, really? We may associate self-care with things like spa treatments or yoga. While these are healthy activities, self-care is so much more. Self-care involves any action taken to improve and maintain your physical and mental health. It’s something we need to do to achieve overall improved wellbeing.
With busy schedules and the complications brought on by the pandemic, it’s natural to think that there is no time for self-care. But now, more than ever, is the time to integrate self-care into your daily life. Just like any other goal you’d like to reach, creating a plan is a great way to start.
When building your self-care plan, consider the 7 Pillars of Self-Care defined by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF):
Knowledge and health literacy. The more you know, the better choices you’ll make. The World Health Organization website is a great place to learn about many health topics such as addictive behaviors, food safety, oral health, sexually transmitted diseases, tobacco, and vaccines.
Mental Wellbeing, Self-Awareness and Agency. Make sure to take regular breaks from your workday, even just to get up for 10 minutes and stretch. Make time for you. Find an activity that you enjoy and schedule it into your calendar just as you would any other important appointment. Social interaction is vital to our mental wellbeing. Connect regularly with friends and loved ones whose company you enjoy, even if it’s by phone or video call.
Physical activity. Getting 150 minutes of moderate cardio activity per week may seem daunting. But finding an activity you enjoy—walking, dancing, riding a bike—will help the time pass easily. Your regular chores, such as mowing the lawn, can also count toward your activity. If you’ve been sedentary for a while, start out slowly but try to build some physical activity into your daily self-care plan and increase it over time.
Healthy eating. Aim for a balanced diet, including lots of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat, trans-fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Start by meeting with your doctor or a nutritionist to discuss your dietary needs and develop a healthy eating plan.
Risk avoidance and mitigation. Get regular checkups as recommended by your doctor help to prevent illness. Stay informed about your risk factors for conditions such as heart disease and cancer, so that you can take steps to mitigate the risks. Part of your self-care plan should include regular screenings, such as blood tests and dental and vision screenings as well as accident prevention, such as wearing sunscreen and driving safely.
Good hygiene. We’ve heard a great deal about hygiene lately due to the pandemic—proper handwashing, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, and proper cleaning of surfaces. Good hygiene also pertains to bathing, dental care, and food safety. All of these measures are a part of a robust self-care plan.
Rational and responsible use of self-care products and services. A spa treatment or a yoga session may be a nice addition to your self-care plan, but self-care tools also include more basic things like prescription medications; make sure to use these as prescribed. Other products and services that can be a part of your plan can include a fitness center, vitamins and supplements, and home diagnostic tools such as a blood pressure cuff. Be sure the products and services meet quality and safety standards and are appropriate for your needs. If in doubt, check with your doctor.
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