By Cassie Burge – Seed’s Holistic Health Coach based in Henley (www.seedwellness.co.uk/cassieburge)
Self-love and self-care are one and the same. They are crucial to our health and well-being and encompass positive practices and habits that enable us to remain physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually optimal.
So often we get caught up with looking after everyone else before ourselves, and then we are left wondering why we feel exhausted and/or frustrated. That is because we haven’t prioritised filling up our own cup. We forget that we are also important.
Today you can start making small steps to filling up your own cup and prioritising your health and wellbeing through small acts of self-care.
The union of body, mind, and spirit is essential in this process. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are interconnected, and when one aspect is out of balance, it can negatively impact the rest. Holistic self-care recognises this interconnection and works to maintain balance and harmony among all aspects of the self.
Self-care practices can be incorporated into our daily routines in a variety of ways as follows:
1. Eating a nourishing, wholesome diet
Eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. A “food is medicine” approach emphasises a balanced, nutrient-dense diet of whole foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, good fats, and foods that support gut health. Choosing ethically sourced meat and fish can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and support sustainable farming. This type of diet supports overall health and helps prevent various health conditions.
By incorporating these types of foods into a balanced diet, one can support overall health and even help prevent a variety of health conditions.
2. Get moving!
Regular physical activity or movement, has numerous benefits, including improved mental clarity, reduced stress, boosted mood, and better physical health. Movement of some sort each day can increase brain function, lower stress hormone levels, and prevent chronic diseases. Incorporating moderate physical activity into your daily routine can provide benefits, even if it is not intense or time-consuming. The key is to make exercise a consistent part of your routine and to find activities that you enjoy and look forward to.
3. Being mindful
Incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can significantly help to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and promote relaxation. By including them in your daily routine they can have a positive impact on your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and will help to lower cortisol levels which in turn reduce stress, improve focus and concentration, and help in bringing you back into your own self and intuition. Mindfulness can also be achieved through activities such as reading, writing, painting, dancing, movement,
4. Catching the zzz’s
Sleep is an essential aspect of self-care, playing a crucial role in rejuvenation and regeneration. Lack of adequate sleep can negatively impact mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, and has been linked to various health problems including obesity, diabetes, and depression. It is recommended that adults get 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night. A consistent sleep routine and sleep-conducive environment can enhance the quality of sleep, leaving one feeling refreshed and ready to perform their best throughout the day and also increasing positive thoughts, mood and happiness.
5. Prioritising me time
It goes without saying how important personal time is for overall well-being. It allows you to recharge and relax, and helps to reduce stress and improve mood. By setting aside time for yourself, you can focus on activities that bring you joy and bring balance to your life. This can include reading, writing, pursuing a hobby, or simply taking a quiet walk in nature. It is so important to prioritise this time for yourself, even if it is only for a few minutes each day.
When we make time for things that bring us joy, we not only benefit ourselves, but also those around us, as we approach life with a more positive and refreshed outlook. Engaging in activities that bring us pleasure and fulfilment helps to boost our self-esteem and promote overall well-being. So take the time to prioritise yourself, and enjoy the benefits that come from taking a break and doing something you love.
6. Finding your tribe
Social connection is a fundamental aspect of human existence, playing a critical role in our mental and emotional well-being. Having strong, supportive relationships with others can help us feel connected, valued, and less isolated.
Spending time with friends and loved ones, whether it be through conversation, shared activities, or simply being in each other’s company, can help to foster a sense of community and belonging. Engaging in community activities, such as volunteering or joining a club or group, can also help to increase social connectedness and provide opportunities for meaningful interactions with others.
Self-care also involves self-love and self-acceptance. It is essential to treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and love. This involves recognising our strengths, as well as our limitations, and accepting ourselves as we are. When we have a positive self-image and self-worth, we are better equipped to take care of ourselves and others. Being sure to fill up our own cup before attending to others is crucial
CONCLUSION – Love yourself to remain optimally happy and healthy!
Self-care is an essential aspect of holistic health and well-being. By incorporating self-care practices into our daily routines and treating ourselves with kindness, compassion, and love, we can improve our overall health and well-being and achieve balance and harmony in all aspects of our lives.
Cassie Burge is a Holistic Health Coach based in Henley. For more information or to contact Cassie, visit www.seedwellness.co.uk/cassieburge
