Benefits of Self-Care & Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Although self-care has become a hot topic in recent years, it’s more than just a trend. According to science, caring for yourself can improve your well-being, increase your lifespan, and reduce healthcare costs. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best benefits of self-care.

We’ll also share tips on taking better care of yourself, whether you need to relieve stress or simply want to treat yourself.

What is self-care?

Self-care is the act of intentionally taking care of yourself to create and maintain good health and wellness. While you may think of these practices as bubble baths and manicures, it's much more than that. It also focuses on social, physical, and spiritual health.

When you’re taking care of yourself, it doesn’t have to be a grade gesture. In fact, self-care should be easy to partake in and not cause too much mental, emotional, or physical pressure.

How can self-care improve your life?

Whether you do one thing to enjoy each day or implement a routine for relaxation before bed, caring for yourself feels good. Studies also show that regular self-care can decrease your chances of disease and improve one's health, among many other benefits which we’ll discuss below.

Benefits of Self-Care

If you’ve ever practiced self-care, you’ve likely felt calmer, slept better, and gotten along better with loved ones. These benefits lead to many other advantages, too.

Less Stress and Anxiety

With so much going on in your daily life, including work, chores, and errands, it can be difficult to stop and catch your breath. This can either cause or heighten stress and anxiety. 

Many self-care activities, like spending time outdoors and practicing meditation, have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Even if you can only spend five minutes per day on one of these practices, it can be well worth it.

Better Physical Health

Self-care practices like eating a nutritious diet, getting in daily movement, and sleeping well can improve your physical health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these habits support brain function, reduce your risk for disease, strengthen your bones and muscles, and improve your heart health.

More Adequate Sleep

When you’re struggling with your physical or mental health, it can be difficult to get a good deep sleep. Naturally, as you take care of yourself and feel calmer, you’ll be able to sleep better. 

You might consider taking a few minutes before bed to intentionally practice self-care, whether that be by meditating, taking a warm shower, or writing in a journal.

More Focus and Productivity

67% of people who practice self-care reported an increase in productivity. 

As you can see, many benefits of self-care work together. As you care for yourself in ways to support calmness, better sleep, and good health, you’re able to focus and be more productive.

Burnout Prevention

Many people become so mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted that they experience burnout. Dr. Adam Borland, PsyD, says that you may be burned out if you’re experiencing fatigue, dissatisfaction, headaches, and/or changes in diet or sleep habits. That said, it’s best to consult a medical professional if you’re experiencing the symptoms.

Unfortunately, many people become burnt out before they catch it. Self-care is necessary to prevent or overcome burnout. Give yourself time to relax, whether that be reworking your schedule so you can go to bed earlier, committing to fewer work tasks or social outings, or asking family members to share household responsibilities.

Better Relationships

One of the most impactful self-care benefits is better relationships. Healthy relationships foster long-term happiness and well-being. However, it can be difficult to prioritize your relationships without taking care of yourself first.

When you prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health, you can be more present in your relationships. You might even consider practicing self-care with a loved one. For example, plan regular dates with your partner or take weekly walks with a friend.

Confidence Boost

64% of people say taking care of themselves improves their self-confidence. When you spend time loving yourself, you get to know and respect yourself better. You also feel happier and healthier, which is an excellent confidence boost.

Some of our favorite ways to practice self-care and boost our self-confidence are taking a vacation, taking time off social media, and doing new outdoor activities.

How to Prioritize Self-Care

Finding time for self-care can be difficult. Many people also avoid taking care of themselves when they aren’t feeling their best.

Here are a few helpful tips for prioritizing self-care, no matter how busy you are or how you feel:

• Start small - Consider quick activities you can tie into your day, like getting fresh air while you drink your morning coffee or eating at least one nutritious meal per day.
• Have an accountability friend - Ask a friend or loved one to join you in your efforts. Discuss the benefits of self-care with them and talk about how each of you can practice it more. You might even do it together with a weekly walk or meditation.
• Put it on your to-do list - If you like lists, add a self-care activity and make sure there’s time in your day for it. If you leave it up to chance, it likely won’t happen.
• Be patient - Finding the time and which practices are most appropriate likely won’t happen right away. Be patient and give yourself the space to find what works best for you.

• Talk to a professional - If it’s difficult for you to show up for yourself, whether it’s due to lack of time, motivation, or something else, consider talking to a therapist who can support you.

Benefits of Self-Care: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and feel inspired. There are many self-care benefits, including better emotional, mental, and physical health. Taking care of yourself can help you feel happier and more fulfilled in your daily life. 

If you’re in Denver, treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa. If you’re not local to Denver, create an at-home spa day with Oakwell Cosmetics.