Self Care

Why is Self Care So Important?

Self care can look like many different things to many different people. It rings true for everyone, you need a little self care in your life! Are you curious about where you stand? Below is a simple test you can take to determine where you stand. Are you great at self care or need a little TLC? Or are you in the category of whoa man, I need to take a chill pill?

Take this self care test

Some people have a natural sense of when they need to stop, rest, or even take a day off. Others forget they should eat. You can determine how well you take care of yourself by observing how you feel mentally, physically and emotionally. Here are some self-assessment questions to help you figure out where you stand on the self-care scale.

1. Do you wait until you are exhausted before you stop working?
2. Do you forget to eat nutritious food and substitute convenient junk food on the go?
3. Do you say you will exercise then keep putting it off?
4. Do you have poor sleep habits such as staying up too late or not getting enough?
5. Are your relationships with people filled with conflict?
6. Are you constantly nagging yourself about not being good enough?
7. When you think about the future are you unclear about the direction you will take?
8. Do you spend most of your free time watching tv, playing on your phone or browsing the internet?
9. Have you been told you are too stressed and yet you ignore these concerns?
10. Do you waste time when you get angry with yourself?

Give yourself 5 points for each yes. A score of 0-15 says that you generally take pretty good care of yourself, however it would be wise to examine those questions that you answered yes to. A score of 15-30 means that you should rethink your priorities. A score of 30-15 is a substantial statement that you are neglecting yourself and may be headed for disaster.

Ideas for practicing self care.

Physical

• schedule yourself a massage
• do some block therapy
• go for a walk or hike
• get out in nature
• take a hot shower, soak in a hot bath, lay on a heating pad. If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with a hot spring, that is an excellent way to spend your self care time.
• plant a garden/work in your garden
• play with your pet or kids
• go for a swim
• good quality sleep

Mental

• read a new book
• meditate
• schedule yourself a massage
• do some block therapy
• do a DIY project
• turn off your phone and/or limit screen time
• learn a new skill like drawing or photography
• good quality sleep

Emotional

• schedule yourself a massage
• do some block therapy
• practice yoga or do some light stretching
• talk with a friend or family member
• write a list of all the things you are grateful for
• schedule yourself a massage
• good quality sleep

When self-care is regularly practiced, the benefits are amazing. They have even been linked to positive health outcomes. Including reduced stress, improved immune system, higher self-esteem and increased productivity. You may have noticed that good quality sleep is in each category. That is because good quality sleep is very important! When you are asleep that is time for your body to rest, digest and repair itself. Waking up refreshed and ready for the day will help reduce stress, That will help you handle any situation that may arise. So put down your work, let go of your stress and take some time for yourself. It’s ok to say no, it’s ok to take a break, the work will still be there when you get back to it.