You might be asking yourself - isn't self-care selfish or indulgent?

No, it is not, even though it is a common misconception held by many. Self-care actually is all about taking care of yourself in order for you to be healthy and well, to be able to do your job well and give you the capacity to help and care for others. It will also help you to do everything you need to do and want to accomplish daily.

Furthermore, self-care is a part of how you can better cope with daily stressors. For example, work stress which is the stress experienced when you try to keep up with the pace of daily life. In the end it causes you to feel lonely, you aren’t able to wind down or slow down which in the end probably leads to you feeling even more anxious and overwhelmed even when it is simple tasks that you need to do.

Therefore, self-care is the steps that you take in order for you look after your physical, spiritual and emotional health. An interesting discovery is that self-care includes all things related to staying physically healthy. For example: hygiene, nutrition as well as seeking medical care when you need it. In other words, it is all the steps that you can take in order for you to manage the stressors in your life and to take care of your own health and wellbeing.

Self-care goes even further. It even includes getting a vaccination, taking your prescription medication on time. But it must be remembered that in these situations healthcare providers and organisations play a role as well.

It is also worthwhile noting that self-care is anything that you do for yourself which feels nourishing. For example: something that calms or relaxes you which can include something that is intellectual, spiritual, physical or practical or even something that you have to get done.

Self-care is something everyone can do and does not always require spending money. It is simply looking after yourself the best way you can.