If you haven’t figured it out already, prioritizing self-care is crucial to your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. That’s why we’ve been taking an in-depth exploration of self-care together with this self-care series. We’ve talked about “what is self-care?” and “why is self-care so important?”
Now, let’s get into some of the benefits of self-care, shall we?!
First and foremost, it is a proactive way to decrease your risks for depression and anxiety. It is a proactive way to decrease the amount of stress you experience on a day-to-day basis because self-care helps to increase your ability to manage stress more effectively. And when you’re able to manage your stress effectively, general feelings of overwhelm are also decreased.
Remember that hormone we talked about called cortisol? The one that when it’s constantly released in our bodies is responsible for increased inflammation, increased risks of heart disease, increased risks of high blood pressure, and more? A benefit of routine self-care is that this hormone stays at bay because your stress levels are decreased and you subsequently decrease the risks of all those ailments we just mentioned. This also means that your immune system is in a better state to fight off infections helping you to live a livelier life. And in my best pizza commercial voice (the one that rhymes with Tapa Bohn’s): Better sleep. Better appetite. Better health.
Secondly, with the above, you increase your capacity to focus on what matters in your life, both at work and at home. Why? Because essentially, you’re pressing “delete” on a lot of the clutter that blocks you from completing tasks more efficiently since regular implementation of self-care increases your energy. It also increases your ability to focus and be productive. You’re able to come up with creative solutions to your problems or obstacles. You’re able to work on those goals you’ve been putting off.
It's easier to identify the purpose, meaning, or fulfillment in your life because again, you aren’t being clouded with all of the negative symptoms that a lack of self-care brings. You’re able to increase your clarity because you boost your ability to hear your intuition. So, you’re no longer drowning out or dismissing your inner voice (the inner voice that whispers the idea of a phenomenal business plan or nudges the thought to reconnect with a friend that you didn’t know was struggling with cancer).
Being intentional about your self-care enhances your sense of self, improves your confidence, and improves your self-awareness. You know what that means? It’s easier for you to recognize toxic relationships and when people are overstepping their boundaries with you. Then, you can take action accordingly. Still not easy, but much easier! Self-care helps to boost your ability to manage your mood and emotions, as well.
All of these things not only have a positive impact on you personally, but it also has a positive impact on everyone connected to you. The quality of your relationships improves. How you serve your clients or community improves. The overall quality of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being – and subsequently your life – are all improved. You are giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.
So, tell me…
What’s one thing that you are going to do today for self-care?
Blessings, Lindsey