Why Is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is simply doing the things you like to do that help you feel happy and healthy. There really is no limit to what self-care is because it's all about what you like doing for yourself and your personality that makes you a better person, parent, spouse, sibling, and friend.

Don't do things you think you need to do or what others say you need to do. Do what you know you love and want. It doesn't have to require money or be anything extravagant. Meditate, get up early, read a book, or go for a jog are some simple ideas.

Neglecting yourself and putting your needs on the back burner inevitably leads to an unhealthy life. Self-care needs to be a part of everyone's personal schedule and shouldn't be overlooked due to time or because someone believes it is selfish. Self-care is essential to having a healthy, productive, and happy life.

The Indian Proverb: A House With Four Rooms advocates "airing" out each of your four rooms every single day in order to be a complete person. Which rooms do you find it easier to go into? Which one do you spend the most time in? Do you have rooms that have been neglected in recent days?

Self-care is imperative because it prevents:

1. Stress -- Most everyone lives with stress in their daily lives but it's important to try to reduce this as much as possible. Plenty of medical research shows that stress can cause many negative side effects. This includes headaches, low energy, aches and pains and even insomnia.
2. Burnout – Burnout is another form of extreme stress that results in physical and emotional exhaustion, negativity, lack of enjoyment and the feeling of hopelessness. Burnout typically happens when people are overworked or during events that you feel you can’t control. Self-care allows you to take a break from these activities that can result in burnout. Even if it’s a simple one-minute break where you just close your eyes and breathe, it will help reduce this type of stress.
3. Negativity -- Putting everyone else's needs over your own will turn just about anyone negative. The feeling of not being important and that their needs overpower yours is a horrible feeling. The fact is, the more your needs are met the more others needs will be met too. You will experience less bitterness and resentment towards others if you take care of yourself.

If you find yourself at any point feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just negative towards people, stop what you are doing immediately. You can easily take a few minutes to refocus your mind. Maybe you need to talk to your friends and family for a few minutes or look at a few pictures that make you happy, such as babies or cats. This will allow you to relax and adjust your attitude. You will be amazed at how much more productive you will be if you just put yourself first.

Another practice is to count your breaths. When you are stressed, it only takes a few moments to calm yourself by concentrating on your breath. Try to breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of five, and exhale for a count of six. Controlling your breath is a simple method of calming yourself and connecting to the moment.

To inspire you, it's important that you know your worth. Do not belittle yourself. Celebrate by seeking out some new practices and strategies of self-care, finding those that fuel you, encourage you, and support who you want to be.

It's important that you live your intentional life.

Cheers!

Lisa

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