Do Self-Care Articles Really Help? How To Prioritize Self-Care In Your Life
In today’s fast-paced world, self-care has become a kind of buzzword. You’ve likely encountered the phrase while browsing your favorite website, shopping for personal hygiene products, or in casual conversations with friends. Self-care includes any kind of personal activity: so how do you define self-care in a way that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and temperament?
While self-care is a broad phrase, you can engage in whichever self-care activities make the most sense for you.
Today, we’re digging beyond the surface of self-care as a buzzword, which makes frequent appearances in self-help articles as well as your favorite skin care products. Beneath the surface, we’ll discuss the history of self-care and how you can redefine self-care to support your health and relationships.
What is self-care?
In general, self-care is any personal activity required for personal care that someone can manage without the assistance of other people, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). That said, your version of self-care might involve other people. For example, to care for your emotional health after a tough day, you might call a friend for advice or support.
In addition to basic acts of self-care, such as eating, dressing, and personal hygiene, some other common forms of self-care include:
- Reading a book
- Practicing mindfulness meditation
- Making a special meal for yourself and/or loved ones
- Exercising or playing sports
- Seeking therapy
- Spending time outside
- Journaling and making art
In the vast world of self-care, these are just a handful of suggestions. Caring for yourself can take many forms, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Every act of self-care counts: whether you’re simply heading to bed 15 minutes earlier or staying hydrated throughout the day.
Self-care articles: Do they help?
If you’re reading this, perhaps you’ve already read self-care articles. And as everyone’s favorite teacher once said: knowledge is power.
Before creating a personalized action plan for self-care, many people find it helpful to deepen their knowledge of the varied definitions and history of this topic. After all, self-care is a popular subject, but it’s not new, and there are years of research, writing, and debate behind it.
By diving into articles and learning about the science and industry of self-care, you can develop your own opinions about what this topic means to you, and how we can work toward a world that makes self-care possible to all people.
Understanding the history of self-care
Historically, people have always engaged in self-care, especially before the rise of Western medicine. People took responsibility for their own healthcare and that of their families since doctors and other specialists weren’t always readily available.
In healthcare, doctors originally used the term “self-care” to describe patients who wanted to actively participate in their own care by eating well, exercising, and maintaining other healthy habits. Over time, health professionals themselves have received encouragement to practice self-care; and in the wake of COVID-19, this became especially relevant to reduce burnout among health workers.
In response to inequities in the U.S. healthcare system, the leaders of major social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, worked to reclaim and redefine self-care. They emphasized the importance of self-care as both a political act and a personal defense against ongoing discrimination, shaped by race, gender, and other factors.
In recent years, self-care has remained a highly relevant and debated topic. Due to racism, financial disparity, sexism, and other social issues, not everyone can get the same forms and quality of self-care. Self-care products, like skincare and special foods, are part of a lucrative industry. Even today, not everyone has the means to participate – but activists, therapists, and other mental health advocates are working hard to ensure that self-care becomes more possible for a diverse range of people.
Why does self-care matter?
As noted above, self-care is a buzzword: in some cases, the phrase is used so freely that it’s difficult to express what it actually means, and why it matters.
Ultimately, the meaning of self-care varies individually but generally encompasses any act of self-compassion. Above all, research indicates that these acts matter for both your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships. By “refilling” your metaphorical cup, you’re better able to care for other people and the world we all live in.
How does self-care affect your health? Over time, regularly caring for yourself yields long-term rewards for the mind and body. Some of the greatest benefits of self-care include:
- Increased productivity
- Higher energy levels
- Greater self-confidence
- Reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer
- Lower stress
- Improved symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Increased adaptability to changes and setbacks
- Better relationships and a sense of connectedness to other people
By taking small amounts of time to reset, recharge, and connect with both loved ones and new friends, you’re better equipped to face the obstacles of daily life.
How to make self-care work for you
To incorporate more self-care into your life, the first step is acknowledging that self-care comes in many forms, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. You should never feel pressured to craft a rigid or “perfect” self-care plan, as it doesn’t exist!
Instead, health experts suggest viewing self-care from a broader perspective. Below, we offer some tips to define self-care in a way that suits your schedule, values, and personality.
1. Find your personal definition of wellness
To establish a self-care routine, consider the eight dimensions of wellness, as identified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. These dimensions are:
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Intellectual
- Physical
- Environmental
- Financial
- Occupational
- Social
When thinking of self-care activities, consider ones that fulfill one or more of these dimensions. For some people, spiritual activities, like attending a religious service or engaging in prayer, might feel more enriching than a physical activity, like playing sports or taking a walk – and that’s okay! Depending on your values as well as the day, you might find that you need more care and attention in a particular dimension of wellness.
2. Prioritize quality over quantity
When it comes to self-care, every moment matters. Even if it’s just 10 minutes of meditation before going to work, or five minutes reading a beloved book before bed, any activity that feeds your mind, body, and soul counts toward your journey.
Many people find it helpful to schedule self-care into their calendars, just like they would for a work meeting or gym session. Some forms of self-care, like guided meditation, journaling, or sipping a cup of coffee, may take only 10 minutes; other activities, like an afternoon walk or long shower, might span 30 minutes to an hour.
Take a close look at your calendar and challenge yourself to prioritize quality self-care time. For an extra boost of accountability, consider doing a restorative group activity, like a yoga class or coffee date with a friend.
3. Involve other people in your self-care journey
Other people can serve as accountability partners in your self-care routine; but in many cases, social interaction alone is a powerful form of self-care.
Numerous research studies emphasize the role of healthy relationships in a long, satisfying life. Over time, a lack of social connections and prolonged loneliness can even be deadly. According to the APA, strong relationships increase the likelihood of survival by 50 percent regardless of a person’s age, sex, or health status, based on a meta-analysis of 148 studies on mortality risk.
Once again, the small moments matter. Even if you live far away from loved ones, schedule a 15-minute phone call with a friend into your calendar; or, go the old-fashioned route and exchange handwritten letters. When you feel closely connected to other people, your mood, motivation, and coping skills tend to improve and sustain over time.
An online therapist can offer professional support
In addition to friends, family, and other loved ones, many people seek out the expertise of a licensed therapist to develop a personalized self-care plan.
Today, online therapy makes it easier for clients from a variety of backgrounds to find time and space for mental health care. From the comfort of your home, you can match with a licensed therapist and begin developing coping strategies for self-care. Online platforms like BetterHelp feature thousands of thoroughly vetted therapists, and they carefully match patients based on their mental health history and goals.
Current research indicates that online therapy is often just as effective as traditional, face-to-face therapy sessions. One foundational study found significant support for the use of Internet-based psychotherapy interventions, especially for the treatment of anxiety and stress-related conditions, based on an analysis of 92 studies. Other researchers have found that online sessions do not differ from in-person sessions in effectiveness and that patients and therapists are still able to develop strong therapeutic alliances through digital platforms.
Takeaway
As you figure out which self-care activities work best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your community. Your loved ones and acquaintances – as well as your healthcare provider and therapist – are all potential part of a compassionate and supportive self-care team.
What is most important when it comes to self-care?
The most important aspect of practicing self-care is making sure you pick something that works for you. Everyone is different. Some people may feel physically and mentally rejuvenated after going for a run, while others may prefer reading in a warm bubble bath, or talking to their best friend on the phone after a trying day. Self-care should promote healthy functioning, but how you get there is a very individualized process.
What are the limitations of self-care strategies?
Self-care can be highly beneficial, but there are some situations where its effects may be limited. For example, if you are dealing with symptoms of a mental health condition, like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, self-care may be an essential part of your recovery, but you will likely also need the support of a doctor or therapist to manage your mental health issues.
How do you know you need to increase your engagement in self-care?
It can be difficult to pinpoint when you need to take some time out to focus on physical and emotional self-care, but once you know what to look for, you may find it easier. Some signs that you might need to engage in self-care include changing sleep patterns, changing appetite, experiencing emotional instability, losing interest in things you once loved, having difficulty making even small decisions, feeling worthless, or feeling unwell.
What are the benefits of self-care activities?
Self-care has many benefits. According to the World Health Organization, self-care is a “critical path to reach universal health coverage, promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.” On an individual basis, the benefits of self-care may include increased productivity, more self-confidence, lower stress, more energy, increased ability to adapt to change, and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Why is self-care more important than pursuing your purpose?
Self-care is not necessarily more important than pursuing your purpose, but at times, you may really need to focus on healthy practices so that you can continue to pursue what you love. For example, some professions, like palliative care nurses, police, firefighters, or EMTs, might find some days at work physically and emotionally draining, even though they love what they do. For people with stressful careers or who dedicate their time to meaningful but challenging pursuits, self-care can be a tool to help them continue to pursue their purpose.
Why is it important to take care of our own health and well-being?
Deciding to care for your health and well-being can significantly affect your happiness. Your mental health and physical health can be quite intertwined. Physical health problems can take a toll on your overall quality of life and increase stress; stress, in turn, can exacerbate health issues and get in the way of things like getting adequate sleep or eating a healthy diet. Taking care of your mental and physical health may be an effective way to ensure you live a healthier, happier life.
Why is self-care important for development?
Self-care can be integral to self-development. If you are attempting to better yourself in some way, whether you’re going back to school, doing charity work, or taking on a more challenging position at work, the changes that you will face may be stressful. Self-care can be an effective way to deal with the anxiety of a new or challenging situation.
Do you think self-care is essential to be healthy and productive?
Yes, physical, emotional, and spiritual self-care can be essential to maintaining health and productivity. Self-care can be a way to recharge, rest, and relax. It can be easy to think that we can just keep moving forward, but if we don’t take the time to rest, we can experience burnout, affecting many areas of our professional and personal lives.
How does self-care improve productivity?
Self-care can improve productivity in many ways. It can better equip you to cope during a crisis, so when things go wrong, you may be better prepared to work through them. An emotional and physical self-care routine can also help reduce stress, recover from setbacks, and adapt to changes, all of which can make you more resilient when meeting challenges and getting things done.
How does good self-care impact personal success?
Personal success is different for everyone, but whether you’re trying to get a promotion or finish a master’s degree, good self-care can help you reach your goals. Self-care practices help ensure we eat a well-balanced diet and get enough sleep and exercise. When we take care of ourselves and get enough rest, it can help us manage unnecessary stressors and adapt to change.
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