Why Is Self-Care Important?

“Self-care” has many meanings. It is a broad term that can refer to anything you do, or don’t do, to be good to yourself. Self-care is vital for us to perform at our optimal level. Most of us don’t think twice about the care we invest in others. But we can’t be so selfless that we neglect our own well-being.

Self-care offers so many benefits, including:

• Stress Relief –Common self-care activities such as meditation and mindful breathing are incredibly useful tools of self-care. By quieting the mind and staying present in the moment, you can almost effortlessly reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and improve your quality of sleep. Whether by chanting a personal mantra, visualizing your favorite color or natural setting, or simply sitting with your thoughts as they drift in and out of consciousness, you can come to a place of stillness that will fortify you with calm long after you resume the day’s hectic schedule.
• Improved Physical Health – While there are many different forms of self-care, the majority involve taking better care of yourself. For example, exercising more, eating better, drinking more water, and getting adequate sleep are the kinds of lifestyle choices that naturally improve your state of physical health. These types of practices also stimulate the mind-body connection by helping to encourage positive mental health. A sound mind is one of the body’s best defenses against illness.
• Higher Self Esteem – Taking time for your well-being tells your subconscious that you are worthy of that time. In other words, when you treat yourself like you matter, you will feel like you matter. Believing that you are valuable and worthy of love is the very essence of self-esteem and confidence.
• Deeper Self-Knowledge – Self-care necessitates that you think about what makes you happy and what you love. This not only allows you to spend time doing those things, but it also helps you understand yourself. The more you know yourself, the easier it will be to find joy, strength, and passion in your life.

Self-Care Inspiration

Self-care activities generally fall into four main categories: sensory, emotional, spiritual, and physical. Start your self-care journey by identifying what makes you happy.

Sensory self-care is focused on helping you relax your mind by stimulating one of your five senses. Try:

• Walking barefoot in the grass
• Listening to music with your eyes closed
• Enjoying a piece of decadent chocolate
• Sitting in the warm sunlight
• Breathing in the aroma of your favorite essential oil or candle
• Indulging in a KNESKO masking ritual regularly

Emotional self-care is all about helping you engage with your emotions by doing activities such as:

• Journaling
• Indulging your emotions: let yourself cry, laugh out loud, express yourself
• Talking with a friend or a therapist

Similarly, spiritual self-care is about engaging with your values. Try:

• Reading poetry
• Setting up a daily mindfulness or meditation practice
• Practicing yoga
• Attending religious services
• Making a list of things you’re grateful for

Physical self-care is centered on keeping your body and your mind healthy. Get creative with physical activities like:

• Trying a new workout routine
• Dancing to your favorite song
• Going for a bike ride
• Stretching
• Trying a new collagen face mask
• Taking a long bath

Take Time for Yourself

Self-care falls to each of us to help us live our best life. Don’t be afraid to experiment! The options are virtually limitless. Do what feels good, and the rest will fall into place.