Here at CareDial, we love caring for others and meeting the needs of those we know we can provide for, but how often do we get the chance to care for ourselves? Better yet, how can we make sure that while caring for others we aren’t pouring from an empty cup?
Here are just a few simple self-care techniques we can do each week to make sure that we are just as fulfilled as those we care for.
1. Socialising
We all know the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, which, in essence, speaks of our innate need for community to ensure that we are learning and growing in a safe and healthy environment. But what happens when the child eventually grows into adulthood? Do we stop needing the village around us? Or does the cycle only restart when we have our own children?
Our answer? No!
Because we are born into a society, it only makes sense that we continue to rely on those around us for mental and emotional support. And, as social beings, we constantly seek a tribe that we can resonate with, for validation, security, or motivation.
Studies show that our brains are so naturally wired for communication that when we do connect with the best people for us, our dopamine levels, that little hormone responsible for pain relief, are heightened. With social support, side effects of diseases are easier to manage. The same is true for illnesses such as anxiety and depression, which are shown to worsen in cases of social isolation. So, as a challenge to better take care of your mind and your body, why not pick up the phone or meet a friend for a drink? The results of a simple day out with those you love could do wonders.
2. Journal
As strong advocates of mental wellness, we see the life changing effects that journaling can have on our minds. Writing just a few words a day has been proven to help gain self-confidence, improve communication skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote inspiration to achieve your goals by keeping track of your mental wellness journey.
What’s better is that there are no rules to journaling. You can journal about food, dreams, your fitness journey, gratitude, even drawing pictures when words escape you will have the same effect.
So grab yourself a notebook, and write (or draw) the first thing that comes to your mind. It can be daunting at first, but you may be surprised at how much you can release once you get started.
3. Adopt some plant babies
Houseplants support human health by improving your mood and reducing stress levels. Like caring for other humans, caring for plants give a sense of purpose, in the most low maintenance way possible. If you're unable to care for living plants, faux plants have been shown to have the exact same effects! There’s something about having greenery around you that instantly lifts your mood. A connection to the earth, perhaps? We all have it within us, and that low-cost introduction of nature in our homes will not only ground the space we live in, but can help clear out stale air, which is especially great if you spend a lot of time indoors. Which guides us nicely to the next point.
4. Go outside.
It’s hard, we know, with rising Covid-19 infection rates, outside can be a scary place sometimes. But you don’t need to be around people to feel the fresh air on your skin or the grass between your toes. And as we move through Spring into the warmer summer months, the sun’s exposure allows our body to increase levels of vitamin D which is responsible for killing bacteria, reducing blood pressure, strengthening bones, and improving sleep quality.
5. Skin care routine
A no-brainer. Adopting a regular skin care routine boosts the overall health of your body’s largest organ! This will help slow down ageing, boost self-confidence and improve your mood. What’s more is that it can be done alone, or with others, bonus points if you’re also craving a social bonding activity. And it doesn’t just have to be masks. You can learn to moisturise your skin effectively, make smoothies packed with minerals and vitamins that help care for the skin, or even exercise to help release the toxins from your body that are weighing your skin down.
6. Move your body
Did somebody mention exercise?
Yep, and like above, exercising regularly not only improves your mood, it also helps prevent excessive weight changes which could be detrimental to the health of your internal organs.
Not only that, exercise is great for naturally boosting energy, promoting healthier sleep, and, you guessed it, bonding with others who share in your same physical interests.
There truly is something for everyone. So whether your preference involves music, or the sounds of nature, or complete silence, however you choose your body will surely reap the desired rewards.
7. Meditate
Last, but certainly not least, find your calm. Meditation allows you to calm your mind and gain new perspective on the past, present, and future. This is especially beneficial for those who struggle to quiet the noise in their head.
Regular meditation allows you to build your stress management skills, raise awareness to your internal dialogue, and focus on the present. For those of us who need it the most, it can also help increase levels of patience and creativity as well as reducing distressing emotions such as anger or sadness.
Whichever self-care method works best for you, it is important to keep up with regular practice for best results. Whether a care giver, a care receiver, or neither, taking care of yourself must always be your first priority.
These are just a few, easy tips, can you think of any others that have helped along the way of your own self-care journey?