Why Self-care is Important and Ways to Start Today

Self care is important because it honors us for who we are and is protective of our mental, emotional and physical health. Many think that self care is an indulgent lifestyle that involves lavish trips to the spa and expensive treatments. This is not the case. Self care can be very inexpensive. It is the act of taking care of ourselves.

As we go about our health journey, whether it be weight loss or disease prevention, it can become overwhelming and cause us to become burnt out because we are so focused on the goal. This is not going to help us to be productive and progress toward our goals, especially with our health. When we stress over reaching a goal our cortisol levels will increase which negates the goal we are trying to reach. In order to alleviate this issue, we need to start taking care of ourselves and finding ways to relax and unwind.

While our health is of the utmost importance, it is vital that we not become so laser focused on the daily tasks and decisions that it becomes an obsession. We have but one life and although we need to be healthy, we also need to be happy. Becoming obsessed with our food choices, our macros, and our calories causes us to lose the enjoyment of a meal with family or the fun of a spontaneous trip to a restaurant. We need to give ourselves grace to live life but still make healthy choices. It needs to be a lifestyle not a diet.

One important way to begin self care is to schedule an appointment with ourselves to unwind and do something that brings us joy. Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy…taking a walk in nature, reading a book, taking a hot bath, centering yourself with a yoga routine. These are just a few suggestions. Self care is about YOU! Pick an activity that brings you joy and make time to do it.

A health journey involves eating a whole foods diet, moving our bodies every day, and focusing on hydration. But it also means honoring our mental and emotional health. Unplugging from the daily tasks and decisions and spending time in an activity that we love helps to invigorate us and give us a new found energy and excitement to continue on the journey.

To be successful in your health journey you must take time to recharge your battery so that you can shine bright and be make good choices effortlessly.