Why Practicing Self-Care Is So Important

Self-care. I’m sure you’ve heard this popular term plenty of times by now and it seems to endlessly pop up in life. But despite the popularity of the idea, how many of us are truly practicing self-care and intentionally building it into our everyday routine? Sadly, many of us may be fooling ourselves. We think oh yeah, I’m definitely mindful about practicing self-care, while simultaneously feeling stressed and anxious about work, kids, relationships, money, etc. 

And it’s okay if your self-care journey isn’t quite where you’d like it to be because making time for yourself can be one of the hardest things to make ourselves do. When life is filled with others to care for and provide for, it can be hard to pause and take a rest for yourself. 

And despite the difficulty, you need to remember that you matter too. The way you care, not only for your body but also for your mind and soul is crucial to help you be the best version of yourself. 

Mental health matters. And we all need to remember that as we navigate the chaos of our lives. 

Neglecting to engage in self-care practices can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and losing ourselves to the chaos of the world around us. Self-care helps to refocus our priorities and remember that, in order to be the best possible version of ourselves, we need to take intentional time to care for ourselves and our mental health. 

Here are a few self-care tips that I hope will be helpful in the continuation of your self-care journey. 

Self-Awareness is key

Let me be honest. It’s going to be very difficult to care for yourself if you aren’t able to recognize when you feel anxious or overwhelmed. Due to our crazy, fast-paced, workaholic culture, many people constantly feel overwhelmed. So much so, that they fail to notice how overwhelmed they are actually feeling and being to normalize those feelings. 

This is the first place to start. And this process can be much harder than it seems if you have practiced ignoring your feelings of anxiousness and worry for most of your life. 

Begin by drawing attention to what you’re feeling. No matter if your sad, happy, nervous, stressed, or overwhelmed; notice that emotion. Bring awareness to what you’re feeling and practice that every day. 

Practice yoga

A great way to help you become more self-aware is through your yoga self-care practice. Yoga constantly helps us to refocus and notice what we’re feeling at that very moment. As you evolve in your yoga practice, your ability to be mindful of your emotions and needs will begin to become easier and more natural.

Pursue what gives you life

What brings you joy and peace? Life is short, and we need to remember to pursue what makes us happy and love life! 

Here’s a list of some great things that may help to bring joy and peace to your life:

• Go outside. Go for a walk, hike, camping trip, kayaking adventure, or just relax in the sunshine. (Or practice yoga outside!)
• Eat food that makes you feel good. Caring for yourself includes what you choose to eat, so eat food that energizes you, rather than food that drags you down.
• Spend time with people who love you and care about you. 
• Exercise in whatever way gives you joy. Maybe it’s through yoga, sports, swimming, boxing, HIIT cardio workouts, or dance parties!
• Incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
• Start journaling. Acknowledge and let go of difficult emotions and situations through writing. And express gratitude and everything you’re grateful for in this life!

What additional self-care tips do you follow?

Let me know in the comments below!