Why is it important to learn how to prioritise self-care? Self-care refers to the intentional activities and practices we regularly engage in to maintain and uplift our health and overall wellbeing.1 Although self-care is an integral part of our everyday lives because it consists of understanding and meeting our needs, it’s also the first thing that tends to get sacrificed when life gets too busy and stressful.1,2 While people often think that self-care is selfish and indulgent, it’s actually necessary. In fact, looking after your wellbeing will help you to show up for yourself and others, as well as help you get through challenging times. Most importantly, self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health, which includes your emotional, psychological and social well-being.3
There are many benefits to engaging in self-care activities, such as promoting your physical health, enhancing your mental resilience while encouraging self-compassion, improving your mood, reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting your productivity.2 Incorporating self-care activities into your daily routine, such as spending time in nature or socialising with friends, also allows your body and mind to rest, reset and recharge.1 Even small acts of self-care in your everyday life can have a significant impact, as they can help you manage stress, increase your energy levels, and even lower your risk of illness.3
Even though we know that taking time for ourselves and giving our bodies the food, rest and activity they need will reduce stress and enhance our happiness and satisfaction, it’s not always easy to prioritise self-care and take a proactive approach to tend to our own wellbeing. If you find it difficult to set aside time for things that nurture you physically, emotionally and mentally, a self-care plan could be helpful. The steps for creating a self-care plan can include the following (remember that it can be as simple or as detailed as you need it to be):2
1. Decide what sort of self-care plan you could benefit from – Identifying areas that require attention is the initial step in formulating a meaningful self-care plan.
2. Set some goals – Defining your goals (e.g., improving your sleep, reducing stress and/or anxiety, exercising more, etc.) will help direct your self-care plan.
3. Prioritise the self-care activities that appeal most to you – These might include practising meditation and mindfulness, spending time with friends and family, or eating nutritiously.
4. Track your progress and modify your self-care plan as needed – Use an app or a journal to track your self-care activities and reflect on how you feel over time. If you find specific strategies ineffective or discover new activities that help, you can adapt your plan accordingly.
If you struggle to prioritise self-care activities and find that your physical and mental health is suffering as a result, or you’re just new to self-care practices, try the following quick and easy ideas to help you bring more balance to your everyday routine, which can enhance your productivity and bolster your resilience against stressors:1,2
If you are experiencing mental health challenges, consider reaching out to Teladoc Health for an assessment. If you would like to book a consultation but are unsure if you can access Teladoc Health services, submit a form here, and a Member Engagement Coordinator will respond shortly.
References:
1. Importance-of-selfcare-planning.pdf (blackdoginstitute.org.au)
2. 20+ self-care practices to help you prioritize your wellbeing — Calm Blog
3. Caring for Your Mental Health – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
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