Written by: Claire Jong
Artwork by: Amy Cha
Amidst the merciless heat and chaos of summer work, college applications, and coursework deadlines, International Self-Care Day springs up on July 24th to remind us of the necessity of self-love during our busy summer breaks. This blog details the importance of self-care, the balance between selflessness and selfishness in this act with its effect on other people, and lastly, simple methods of self-care to improve one’s mental health and wellbeing.
Why Should We Prioritize Self-Care?
According to Southern New Hampshire University, actively practicing self-care has been clinically proven to benefit our mental health. It can reduce anxiety, depression, stress, and anger, whilst improving concentration, happiness, energy, and other vital elements of life. In addition to these psychological merits, taking time for self-care can also benefit our physical health by reducing the chances of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. As evident from a study published in Psychiatry Research, enduring and continuing self-care has even more distinguishing, long-lasting benefits. The research displays that eight weeks of mindfulness training caused changes in gray matter concentrations in the brain areas involved with learning and memory, emotion regulation, self-referential processing, and perspective-taking. Thus, the sustained, persistent process of self-care is also extremely crucial.
Too Time-consuming And Selfish?
The widely held belief that self-care is synonymous with selfishness is completely incorrect. Instead, it is the opposite; acts of self-care can not only benefit yourself but also others around you. Firstly, engaging in self-care allows you to become healthier and more readily available to help others around you. As the saying goes, “you can’t love other people until you love yourself”. There are certain types of fulfillment and love that can only be accomplished with self-care, and until you can fully enjoy those, you won’t be emotionally ready for those around you.
Moreover, another way your self-care can help others is by the conveyance of inspiration and happiness. As you start taking the time to care for yourself more, positive, healthy results will show up in your attitude towards your peers and family members. Noticing these changes, the positivity and optimism can rub off on others around you, and some may even be inspired to engage in self-care themselves. Overall, the simple act of taking care of yourself can have a widespread positive effect on everyone around you.
Another reason why people may be reluctant to practice self-care is because of the lack of time. Taking time out of your precious day just to relax? It seems ridiculous. In this world that regards productivity and hard work as the most essential elements to success, self-care can be seen as a useless, time-consuming activity. However, this isn’t true. Although spending your self-care time irresponsibly or with a constant feeling of guilt can ultimately result in a waste of time, continuously working long hours and missing out on holidays can also be detrimental and lead to burnout. Productivity can only be maximized with occasional breaks to relieve your stress, and considering the costs of mental health services, the decline in wages, and the loss of healthy relationships, simply taking time out of your day to take care of yourself can be seen as the best option. Remembering the key concept of "quality over quantity", it is important to take some time for efficient self-care and most importantly, not feel guilty for it.
How To Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is a different look for each individual; after all, we all have different interests and ways we heal. Inspired by an article from Southern New Hampshire University, here are some ways you can apply this concept of self-care in your life in various aspects:
Emotional: talk to your friends or family members, write in a journal to reflect on your feelings, listen to music, take a nap, cry it out, watch a movie, and hug someone.
Environmental: take a walk outside, enjoy the fresh air and scenery, pick up litter, clean your house, and redesign your room for a change.
Financial: develop a practical financial plan, open a savings account, start saving (even if it is $1 every day; consistency is key), and cut back on unnecessary purchases
Intellectual: read books and articles, listen to audiobooks, watch documentaries, complete a puzzle, and take an online course of your interest.
Physical: exercise every week, eat healthily, get your annual checkup at the doctor’s, take medications as prescribed, get 7-9 hours of sleep, and don’t overwork yourself.
Social: meet up with friends and family members, engage in healthy social media use, and keep in contact with old friends whilst cutting off toxic ones.
Spiritual: meditate, pray, engage in yoga, visit a meaningful site, and look to your higher power for support.
Think of self-care as a necessary part of daily life and make sufficient time for it. These simple acts done consistently can have a permanent positive impact on not only yourself but also the well-being of others around you.
Works Cited
“International Self-Care Day.” ISF, 20 July 2020, https://isfglobal.org/international-self-care-day/.
Matthew Glowiak Apr 14, 2020, et al. “What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Important for You?” Southern New Hampshire University, https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care#:~:text=Engaging%20in%20a%20self%2Dcare,%2C%20improve%20energy%2C%20and%20more.
Lawler, Moira, et al. “What Is Self-Care and Why Is It Critical for Your Health?” EverydayHealth.com, https://www.everydayhealth.com/self-care/.
Group, Circle Health. “What Is Self Care and Why Is It Important?” Circle Health Group, https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/health-matters/health-and-wellbeing/what-is-self-care-and-why-is-it-important.
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