Put Yourself First: The Importance of Self-Care

We did a recent poll on LinkedIn and nearly 30% of people said they were “too busy to think”. Another 30% said they were “worried and anxious”. From my perspective, this response tells me these people could benefit from some much needed self-care.

Self-care refers to any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional health. This can be any activity that fills our cup up again, and it should be done with intention, rather than mindlessly checking-out.

There are many benefits to practicing self-care. For one, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on our mental health. It can also help us to feel more energized and focused, which can improve our productivity and overall well-being. Additionally, self-care can help us to build resilience and better cope with the challenges and demands of everyday life.

So what are some ways that you can practice self-care? Here are a few ideas:

1. Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.

2. Exercise regularly. Even just a few minutes of activity each day can make a big difference.

3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Fuel your body with nutritious foods that will help you feel your best.

4. Practice mindfulness. Whether it's through meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths, mindfulness can help to reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and relaxation.

5. Engage in activities that bring you joy. Whether it's reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones, make time for the things that make you happy.
   

Remember, self-care is not selfish. Taking care of yourself is essential if you want to be able to take care of others and be at your best. So don't be afraid to prioritize your own needs and make self-care a part of your daily routine. Check out our self-care planner here.