What is Self-Care?
By: M. Katherine Lickteig, MA, LPC AssociateSupervised by Melissa Barton, MA, LPC-S
What is Self-Care?
The World Health Organization has defined self-care as anything that helps individuals to help them prevent disease and health with or without the support of a healthcare provider. It can include anything related to staying physically healthy. For example, this includes personal hygiene, nutrition, and seeking medical care when needed. Also, it can consist of what individuals do to manage the stressors in their life.
Self-Care Includes
- Anything that makes you happy or exciting to you.
- Includes anything that you enjoy and makes you feel good. Stop and try something else if an activity doesn't make you happy.
- It is anything that helps your body and mind feel better. When you feel better, this will lead to better mental and physical health.
- Improves productivity, making life better for others around you.
- Exercising like taking a walk or riding your bike.
Self-Care can be Grouped into Different Categories:
Emotional self-care activities include positive self-talk, taking a bath, saying no to stressful situations, taking a break, and spending time with friends.Physical self-care includes prioritizing sleep, putting into place an exercise routine you can stick with, and choosing healthy foods.Spiritual self-care includes attending a religious service, spending time in nature, meditating, incorporating regular acts of kindness into your day, or keeping a gratitude journal.
Temporary vs. Lasting Self-Care
Self-care can also be divided up into things that have lasting benefits and items that have temporary benefits.Temporary self-care are things like when you go to dinner with a friend. It can make you feel happy, but the benefits only last for a while.Ongoing self-care will have more permanent effects. These activities, such as mindfulness, are considered lasting because they lead to changes in your brain. For instance, these activities increase the gray matter density of your brain.
What Counts as Self-Care?
There's no way to say exactly what counts and what does not because everyone's definition is unique. The activities can be anything that helps you de-stress. These can include doing anything else that pampers you. Moreover, it doesn't have to be expensive. You can be free to do anything you enjoy. Try being more mindful of your thoughts on your commute. Making daily tasks enjoyable can be counted, like enjoying a favorite scent. Making your bed in the morning can also count if you enjoy it. If not, find what brings you joy and do that instead.
Why Should We Practice Self-Care?
- Benefits to your Health and Well-Being
- Exercising, yoga, and mindfulness have been shown to enhance mental and physical health.
- Lately, it is beneficial to everyone. The clinical evidence that self-care is beneficial has not been proven. It can't hurt to try some self-care activities to see.
Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!
If you are ready to learn how to include self-care in your daily life, one of the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide counseling and mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:
- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more about self-care.
- Meet with one of our compassionate therapists.
- Uncover ways to explore self-care in a way that helps you.
Other Therapy Services We Offer:
Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch, we offer counseling services for people of all ages in areas including counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma counseling, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to post blogs regularly. We provide helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!