Most of us have heard of or used the term ‘self-care’ before. I feel it gets loosely thrown around far too often without entirely understanding its significance or importance. And the truth is in this symphony of life, where the demands of work, family and personal aspirations create a cascade of responsibilities, the first thing to usually take the backseat is ourselves.
At its core I don’t believe self-care is a luxury – it’s an investment. Something that can yield dividends in resilience, joy, love, and a deeper understanding into who you are so you can get the most from life. From my own experience and understanding, self-care is the act of embracing your own well-being with kindness and consciously choosing to spend time doing something just for you. It goes beyond indulgence and should become a vital practice for holistic health. By prioritising moments that nourish our mind, body and spirit, we cultivate resilience and a beautiful sense of inner balance.
Without a doubt my favourite perk to regular self-care is the journey to greater self-awareness. Every moment we spend on ourselves allows us to peel pack layers of the daily grind and uncover the intricacies of our deeper self – desires, fears, and aspirations. This process is sometimes scary, but beautiful. When we prioritise regular self-care we make room for a connection with our innermost thoughts and emotions, and it allows us to identify patterns, strengths and areas for growth. I don’t know about you but cultivating a richer, more meaningful existence is super appealing to me.
So what constitutes as self-care and how much of it do we need?
Like anything related to health and our body, it will be entirely different for everyone. But I’ve come to learn that it extends far beyond fluffy facials and can encompass entirely unexpected experiences. (Btw fluffy facials are sometimes my go-to, but let’s think outside the box for a minute.) I’ve listed some ideas below that may spark some self-care curiosity.
Nature immersion
It’s been shown that regular exposure to nature can have various physiological and psychological benefits, but it’s the time spent alone in this regenerating space that make it one of my favourite self-care practices. The visual and sensory aspects of nature trigger a relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress. Time spent in parks, forests, beaches and farms can all promote a sense of tranquillity and calm, fostering a positive impact on mood and emotions. I’m also a total introvert and re-gain my energy when I spend time alone, so for me flying solo in nature is a bonus. Exposure to natural light also regulates circadian rhythm and boosts Vitamin D levels, plus it doesn’t cost anything to go outside.
Pack your bags
My last trip away was to a 6 star beach resort in Bali. The next will be a 3 night off-grid camping adventure in rural New South Wales. Travel – pending costs – is a vital tonic for holistic self-care – not only removing us from monotonous routine, but sparking creativity, introspection, and resilience. Each destination we explore, whether it be a city escape or beach break, can offer a transformative experience by fostering personal growth. We may not realise it while we’re standing in long lines at the airport or driving forever along winding roads, but travel broadens our perspective, enhances our emotional intelligence, and can also cultivate empathy for different cultures. Think about the places that give you the most joy, or perhaps somewhere that’s been calling your name, but you’ve never made the time?
Pampering
I need to put this one on the list even though it’s probably the most obvious. Massages, manicures, facials, sauna, salt baths – they all rejuvenate the mind and body by promoting deep relaxation and ultimately help lower stress. And I love them all. But besides this, enhanced or prolonged relaxation from your favourite pamper sessions contributes to improved sleep quality, supporting overall cognitive function. It also cultivates a sense of self-worth and nurtures positive body image, transcending luxury to become a journey into holistic well-being. I try to get acupuncture every second Saturday before weekend sport begins!
Start a new hobby
One underrated yet ultimate form of self-care for me are my hobbies. I dance 5 days a week, play tennis and I’m learning how to speak Russian (my hubby is Ukrainian). Admittedly, it’s a challenge juggling my schedule of hobbies with running a business and raising two kids, but they inject my life with so much excitement, passion, creativity, and cognitive conditioning! Some days I question learning a new language or spending hours in a sport I’m too tall for, but when I look back on the journey of each, I feel a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in my personal growth. When I make time for my hobbies I’m dedicating those hours each week purely to myself, and in ten years or so, when the kids decide to move out of home, I will hopefully continue to build on the self-worth that I am currently cultivating.
Whatever you decide to schedule for your self-care, always remind yourself that it is an acknowledgement to your worthiness and goes far beyond fluffy facials. See it as an investment into your long-term health and watch as it rekindles joy, love and a deep sense of authenticity.
