What is self-care and how many of us incorporate self-care in our lives? Self-care means a conscious act you take in order to promote your own physical, mental and emotional health.
Practicing self-care isn’t always easy, but it is essential. Most of us claim we are too busy, have stressful jobs, get home too late or don’t make the time because of being a parent.
Self-care is important because it reduces anxiety, depression, stress, improves happiness, improves mental health and enhances your personal relationships. Self-care is a way to be kind and love yourself.
Self-care includes many things, such as…
- Getting better sleep;
- Eating clean;
- Spending time with friends;
- Saying no to others, and say yes to yourself;
- Sitting with yourself while practicing deep breathing;
- Reading;
- Taking a relaxing bath;
- And, of course, the main key to self-care is taking care of your body through fitness.
As you may discover, self-care isn’t a one size fits all approach. Your self-care plan needs to be customized to your needs and what is currently going on in your life. You don’t want to wait until you’ve reached your breaking point and feel yourself having an emotional breakdown.
The goal is to take steps each day to make sure that you are getting what you need to deal with the stress and challenges you face in your daily life.
Many of us do so much for everyone else, our kids, our partners, our work, our friends. Take the time you need to take some of that care and love for yourself. You are just as important as the next person.
The more you can work self-care into your schedule, the better you’ll be able to grow, enjoy your life and thrive. The healthier connection you have with yourself means you are able to show up more for yourself and for others.
As 2024 begins, think of ways you can involve self-care in your life as part of your routine.
Ashley LaMorte is a nationally certified fitness instructor and has been in the fitness industry close to a decade. Over the years she has gotten the opportunity to instruct group X boot camps at gyms and train private clients from all walks of life, all over the Bay Area. She now has her own mobile fitness business, LaMorte Lift. Learn more at LaMorteLift.com.
