The Secret To Managing Stress: Self-Care

The Importance of Self-Care

Stress can cause a lot of serious mental, physical and emotional health issues if not addressed. It can cause premature aging, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, digestive problems, just to name a few.

Keeping your stress in check can help you lead a happier and healthier life, and a great way to reduce your stress levels is by partaking in the importance of self-care. Here are reasons why self-care reduces your stress and how you can make them work for you.

Self-care is good for your health

Did you know that stress can lead to hair loss? It can have a major impact on your health and can cause serious issues. Having a self-care routine in place to help you manage stress can help you combat this and keep you fighting fit.

Simple self-care steps, such as eating healthy food and drinking healthy herbal teas with medicinal properties, can have a massive impact on reducing stress, as you’re giving your body the vital things it needs to function correctly.

Daily exercise, even for as little as thirty minutes, can also help to reduce stress. It boosts your mood, releasing hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, helping you to sleep better at night. Self-care allows you to focus on your health so you can thrive.

But, what if you are already facing a serious health condition? Can self-care be beneficial?

Whether you are physically fit and healthy or coping with an ailment, practicing self-care is still crucial. According to the  World Health Organization, self-care practices can help people better cope with illness.

Self-care can increase your resilience

Practicing self-care regularly can make you a more resilient person when problems do arise. Taking the time to relax and unwind to negate stress can help you cope better with issues and situations.

Using self-care techniques such as journaling, meditating, or other mindful practices can help you change your mindset to have a more positive outlook. This means you are less likely to get overwhelmed when dealing with stress as you have the tools and techniques in place to cope.

Another fantastic self-care practice is taking a social media detox, and instead focusing on yourself in the real world by participating in hobbies you love, such as cycling, reading, drawing, or other enjoyable activities.

Self-care can allow you to better help others

One of the best ways to care for other people is to ensure you’re caring for yourself. If you take the time to rest, care for and nurture yourself, it makes caring for those you love an easier task as you feel better prepared to handle the stresses of life.

Many people who care for others encounter stress and fatigue, whether it be parents, helpers or those caring for elderly relatives. They risk getting burned out, making it difficult to care for others or themselves. Ensuring you’re in a healthy and positive mindset can prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by stress and keep you thriving.

Even if you’re often known for being the carer, it is okay to ask for help when you need it and take time to look after yourself. Even ten minutes a day of self-care practice just for you is a great start to help you look after yourself.

The Importance of Self-care can help you get to know yourself

Do you know what motivates you in work and life? Not many people can answer that question with confidence. Deep down, it means you don’t know yourself, and if you don’t know who you are (or what drives you), you will doubt your decisions and way of thinking. Ultimately your well-being and happiness will take a hit.

Many self-care practices are solo activities. The goal is to focus on your own needs, wants and desires. Spending time with yourself allows you to understand yourself better. You will know what drives you, what you can deal with and how best to cope with stress.

Keeping a journal or diary to vent your thoughts is an excellent way to know yourself through self-care. It is also a positive outlet for pent up feelings that often lead to stress. Taking time to keep track of your thoughts can help you create a more focused mindset and alleviate stress.

Engaging in self-care on your own can be a great way for you to recharge and recuperate and provide a healthy way to reduce stress.

Self-care helps you live longer

Scientists now concur that there is a direct link between longevity in the present age and adherence to healthy practices. Activities like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking will help you cope with stress and live longer.

Exercising for two to eight hours a week reduces your chances of dying by 29 to 36 per cent. Eating a healthy diet (consuming five portions of fruits and veggies per day), getting enough sleep (at least seven hours a day), and spending time outdoors are associated with reduced stress and lower mortality rates.

Self-care can help you find purpose

Finding your purpose is not just a cliché for describing an unattainable dream. It is a practical tool for a better, happier, healthier life!

People who have a strong drive of purpose also have a deep sense of control over their lives. They know what they do is worthwhile, are clear about what makes their lives meaningful, and pursue it. As a result, they are less stressed and tend to live happier  and longer lives.

Self-care activities like journaling and listening to feedback can help you discover your inner self and be more confident about your purpose. Pursuing strategies like forming new relationships, volunteering, chasing after your interests, and standing up for what you love to do can help develop a deep sense of purpose.

Final thoughts 

Learning the importance of self-care and managing your stress can help you live a happier lifestyle as you are less likely to feel overwhelmed or suffer health issues due to frequent stress. You can include simple and rewarding activities in your day-to-day life as part of self-care. You could take a relaxing bath, go for a run, get a massage, draw or color, or anything you can engage with that allows you to unwind.

Looking after your body and mind through self-care is a great way to reduce stress and help you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.