If you are skeptical about mindfulness, you might be surprised to learn that many of the 'fads' encouraged by influencers and celebs, seemingly only chasing likes and attention on social media, are actually beginning to be recognized by the scientists within the healthcare profession as having some merit after all. Unfortunately, it is a little more complicated than finding a nice quiet spot on a white sandy beach on a tropical island and relaxing for half-an-hour to hashtag-rejuvenate! Let us take a look at the big picture of self-care.
The human person is divided into three, which can loosely be described as: body, mind and soul, and for a complete self-care package, you must take care of all of them. A perfect physical body, coupled with insecurity and anxiety does not make a healthy person, any more than a perfectly content mind within an unhealthy, poorly fed body! Every aspect of your life will fall under one or more of these categories, and each should work harmoniously with the rest in order to be the best complete version of yourself.
Body of Work!
The physical realm is the one we most think about when we think about how we really feel, despite the fact that we tend to think of our inner emotions when we talk and think about self-care. And having a healthy, well-nourished body can go a long way to improving mood and emotions! Feed your body healthy real foods, with as few preservatives and as little sugar as you can bear, drink enough water and allow your body to sleep for as long as it needs to. If you are still fatigued despite following a healthy moderately active regimen, consider a regimen of multivitamins, such as can be found from the International Pharmacy, to repair any deficiencies you might be suffering from. Also remember to treat yourself to something nice every now and then. Material possessions are often sneered at, but it is a lovely feeling to buy a cozy jumper, or gorgeous picture for your wall. Physical items, as much as physical health, can bring you pleasure, creating a knock-on effect with your mood and general disposition.
Mind the Stress
Our minds love to be kept occupied, and like a muscle, the more we use our brains the better they work. Make sure your work is challenging enough to keep your attention, without being so difficult that it frustrates you. Challenge yourself to think in different ways about problems, so as to grow your lateral thinking skills and boost your empathy about differing viewpoints. Keep in mind, the mantra that your brain needs stimulation rather than stress, and this will help you to get the balance between a good challenge and an impossible task in mind.
The Soul of the Family
Spend time with your family and friends, being there for them in ways that they will appreciate. For an elderly relative, it could be helping with the spring cleaning, for a younger one, taking the time to read their favorite book with them. Volunteer for a charity, pick up litter when you see it, and do nice things for people when the opportunity arises. It sounds very cheesy, but you genuinely do feel good when you do good.
Following all these steps are easy enough when fitted in over the course of a whole day, or week, and the beneficial effects are cumulative – meaning you will feel better and better the longer you do it!
