When we take good care of ourselves, there are multiple benefits to us as well as others. While self-care may seem self-indulgent, it’s not. Just as we’re instructed to put our oxygen mask on first if there’s an emergency on an airplane so we can help others, self-care enables us to help ourselves and others more.
Self-Care Improves Our Health: Self-care tends to improve our
immunity, increase positive thinking and make us less susceptible to stress,
depression, anxiety and other emotional health issues. Taking time out to care for ourselves helps remind us and others that our needs are important, too. Feeling well cared-for leads to feelings of calm and relaxation, and conveys to others that we value ourselves which contributes to long-term feelings of wellbeing.
Self-Care Makes Us a Better Caretaker: People who neglect their own needs and forget to nurture themselves are at danger of deeper levels of unhappiness, low self-esteem and feelings of resentment. Also, sometimes people who spend their time only taking care of others can be at risk for getting burned out on all the giving, which makes it more difficult to care for others or themselves. Taking time regularly for self-care can actually make you a better caretaker for others.
What are you doing for self-care this summer? Have family/social demands eaten into me-time? Do you feel like you need a vacation from your vacation as Susan writes about Thursday? Let us help. Send us a comment or preview “Obstacles to Self-Care” at www.realmomexperts.com.
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