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It is simple to confuse inaction with self-care. Self-care need not be the antithesis of overindulgence, even though our generation is sick of doing things in excess—overconsuming, overworking, and overthinking. Self-sabotage occurs when you don’t act or do what your body and mind are telling you to. Knowing the difference will help you determine whether you are genuinely caring for yourself or are simply being lazy.
What is “Self Care”?
You probably picture facials, manicures, pedicures, a sauna, or a relaxing Swedish massage while munching on a fruit bowl when you think of self-care. True self-care, however, simply entails taking a genuine interest in your physical and mental well-being, which we frequently neglect in favour of achieving our life’s objectives.
Some people may interpret this as improving their diet, skincare, or mental health in a variety of ways, some of which may include the things I mentioned earlier. With the intention of being refreshed and re-energized to take care of ourselves, job, and family, it is an investment we make in ourselves of our time and effort.
The meaning of self-care
Self-care is described by the World Health Organisation as “the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.” Preventive healthcare can and often does include procedures like routine checkups, cancer screenings, mammograms, and vaccinations, among others. Everything you do for your overall wellbeing to lessen the effects of stressors in life is self-care. In this, physical nourishment alone is insufficient. Today, we’ll discuss self-care that is sustainable.
Why Self-Care Is Important
Our body, mind, and spirit all require preventative maintenance in the form of self-care, just like our cards require routine maintenance and refuelling. Self-sabotage is just not taking care of your mind and body, being careless, or engaging excessively in habits that injure your body or mind. But isn’t taking time off and ‘doing nothing’ a form of self-care, you might wonder?
‘Doing Nothing’ Is Not the Same as Self-Sabotage
You might need some time away from whatever it was that caused your condition—for example, spending too much time in front of the computer, eating poorly, or experiencing anxiety or stress at work—when you are struggling with difficulties like burnout or chronic fatigue. That, however, does not actually imply “doing nothing.”
Although our way of life has distanced us from this potent self-healing intelligence that is already inside of us, you have an innate bio intelligence that is aware of what your body needs. Until your body has had enough rest, it might be a good idea to take a few days off and do nothing. It could also mean turning off electronics for a while and doing nothing for an hour or two during the day.
Finding out why your body is not at its healthiest or why you do not feel psychologically well is vital, though. You might need to visit a doctor or a mental health professional. For your health, vitality, and energy to return, you might also need to make intentional decisions and changes in your life. These adjustments could include adding breathing and meditation to your daily routine, eating a balanced diet that is appropriate for your body type (you can learn more about this by speaking with an Ayurvedic doctor), chanting, working out, or getting frequent examinations. Self-sabotage occurs when none of those items are done.
Is it possible to take care of yourself too much?
Self-care presupposes that you should consume food and beverages in moderation and limit your screen time, sleep, activity, and exercise. Any of these taken in excess can result in an imbalance that is unhealthy for you. For instance, while 6 to 8 hours of sleep per day is ideal, sleeping for 14 to 15 hours can indicate sadness or a lack of energy that needs to be addressed. Some people spend their entire day sitting and practising meditation without eating or sleeping, which can lead to a mental and physical imbalance that can lead to issues like hyperactivity, hallucinations, and restlessness. All of this ultimately results in self-destruction.
Different Methods of Self-Care
Self-care entails taking good care of our feelings, bodies, minds, brains, souls, professional skill sets, and social networks.
Playing with the pets, practising appreciation, performing random acts of kindness, interacting with others, or dating can all be part of our emotional self-care routine.
Physical self-care can include eating healthily, doing yoga, going for walks or runs, engaging in tai chi, or engaging in any other mind-body techniques.
Self-care for the mind can include journaling, silent retreats, thought clearing exercises, meditation, and contemplation.
Giving back to your community, getting in touch with old acquaintances, or offering emotional support are all examples of social self-care. For intellectual stimulation, you can read, watch documentaries or quality films, or participate in book clubs or discussion groups. You can chant, meditate, spend time in nature, and partake in religious activities as forms of self-care that support your spiritual upliftment.
Consider what is helping and hurting you by taking some time. What objectives or milestones are you failing to meet, and why? Create a strategy to address the behaviours and circumstances after that.
Finally, keep in mind that you are valuable, different, and have a lot to offer the world. True self-care will assist you in achieving these objectives as well as many more because you deserve to be happy and healthy.
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