Taking care of ourselves can include anything as simple and universal as drinking enough water, as well as activities specific to our many interests, like painting outdoors or going to dance classes at a local studio. The benefits of self-care, however, can be felt by us all. Here are just a few reasons why self-care should be an essential part of our lives:
1. Self-care helps us feel healthy, both physically and mentally.
We all know how important it is to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and get regular exercise, but self-care goes beyond that. When we engage in activities we genuinely enjoy, like cooking or reading a new book, we can clear our minds, feel more energized and see more positivity in our day-to-day lives.
When I first started my self-care journey, I learned that a traditional work-out was not necessarily healthy for me. Since I was 16-years-old, I’ve struggled with body image issues, and lifting weights or doing cardio at the gym often became more about counting calories and doing body checks rather than feeling good about myself. But then I started practicing yoga, a physical activity that focuses on a mind-body connection, I felt the physical benefits of exercise without the negativity I associated with the gym. I also noticed that I was more alert and aware of my feelings after an hour at the studio, and that I was more likely to see the good in others and myself.
