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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.Â
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.Â
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.