Why Self-Care is So Important
Humans are as complex of creatures as they come. We have figured out how to build planes, trains, automobiles, cell phones, and created a society built on trade and commerce. It’s no wonder most of us are stressed out and overwhelmed with the number of tasks we need to accomplish in our day-to-day lives. We went from hunting and gathering to a technology-filled life of “to-dos” in a blink on the earth’s timeline. That’s why self-care needs to be at the forefront of each of our lives to help our overall mental and physical health and well-being. We want you to take the time to focus inward on what you need. So, today we are talking about why self-care is so important. Join us.
1 | Less Stress. More Bliss.
Some stress is beneficial. It is a good thing that our heart pounds a little when we have a deadline at work or an exam coming up. It can be the difference between working harder to do well, or just brushing the big day off, and not being prepared. Meaning, some stress can motivate us. Stress is also what kicks us into fight or flight mode when iffy situations arise. It’s good to have those instincts. But, the problem with stress starts when it begins to take over our everyday lives. Overwhelming stress can weaken our immune systems, make us feel tired throughout the day, cause weight gain, weight loss, anxiety, and can lead to depression amongst many other things. The good news is, a little self-care and stress management can go a long way in combatting the negative impacts. Here is a 5-minute breathing exercise to try the next time you feel your stress levels are at their max.
2 | Pause, Relax, Reset.
Pushing pause in life is hard for a lot of folks. We feel like we need to go-go-go, or work-work-work, or learn-learn-learn—but, guess what? That will lead to burnout. It is true with exercise too. Working out every single day does not give your muscles enough time to work on repairing and growing, so by overworking them, you are thwarting your progress. You can find out more about rest days here. When we use the notion of pause, relax, reset in different areas of our lives, it will help us to perform better. Think about the last time you had a fantastic idea. It was probably during a walk, in the shower, or when you were enjoying a book on the couch. Allowing your brain to take a much-needed break can help you to refocus, and give you the break you need to accomplish your goals happily and healthily. Resting is good for you.
3 | More to Give.
We know, we just talked about how most of us have extended ourselves to the point of being stressed, but when you practice self-care—like really, really look inward to make time for yourself and the things that are important to you—you tend to have more to give. There’s an adage: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That’s true. If you end each day completely depleted of all of your resources, you cannot give to those around you. By taking breaks throughout the day, saying no a little more, and staying active, you will have more energy to care for the people you love. So, go ahead, fill up that bathtub, and take a soak. You will come out refreshed and more energized than when you went in.
4 | Awareness of Self.
Self-care forces you to tap into how you are feeling and why you are feeling that way. By tapping into self-awareness and mindfulness through meditation, yoga, deep breathing or exercise, it allows you to squash a possible issue before it starts. You might notice that during your self-care routine, you begin to realize how lucky you are to be in this world, how grateful you are for your friends and family, and how you wouldn’t trade your experience on earth for the world. You might also start to notice that you have a pain in your back that you need to work on or a toxic person at work who is causing most of your problems and keeping you from maintaining emotional well-being. Self-awareness will help you to be grateful and to combat potential stressors in the future.
Some people think of self-care as being selfish, but those two things are not the same at all. Getting into a self-care routine will help you to put your best foot forward every day. It is important to remember to put your mental health first and allow yourself a little time each day to look inward. If you would like to start off with self-care strategies like implementing yoga, HydroMassage, sauna, steam room, or gym sessions into your routine, you can check out a Chuze location near you. We are available in different locations, whether you are searching for gyms in Aurora CO or gyms in San Bernardino CA, we can help you achieve your fitness goals. We cannot wait to hear about your journey to a happier, healthier you.
*We are not licensed therapists. You should not rely on this information to substitute or replace medical advice or treatment. Always consult a health care professional if you have any questions about your health.