Self-Care Is for Everyone

Self-Care Is for Everyone

When you pay attention to your needs, you’re usually able to prevent anxiety and stress from overtaking you. People who care for themselves on a consistent basis tend to be more grounded, resulting in them being better equipped to handle daily stressors. Those who see the best results often practice self-care on a consistent basis.

What Is Self-Care?

Simply put, self-care involves activities to focus on your own physical and emotional health. Common self-care activities include walking, painting, reading, baking, napping, yoga, praying, playing golf and meditating. Self-care activities should be done alone so you can focus on yourself.

Keep It Simple

Rebecka Brott, PLMHP, PCMSW, a counselor with Best Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP), reminds us that engaging in self-care can be super simple. She has one idea you can do anywhere, anytime.

“Positive self-talk is a simple and powerful tool in our practice of self-care,” Brott said. “We are constantly sending messages to ourselves throughout the day, and intentionally speaking to ourselves in a positive way can help us handle daily stressors.”

Brott often takes the humorous approach and will make herself laugh with self-talk.

“Using humor in my self-talk helps me to quiet my inner critic and keep stuff light so I don’t feel overwhelmed,” she said. “When times are particularly stressful, compassionate self-talk builds me up, and I feel more like myself.”

Self-care is personal and looks different for everyone. But remember, to “count” as self-care, the activity should be something that ultimately promotes good vibes and makes you feel happy.

Take a minute to think: What does self-care look like for you?