Hey there again:)! Previously I wrote about a blog entitled “Love Thyself”. We are soon nearing the end of February and I am hoping that the year is still going good for you and that you are staying true to the “Love Thyself” theme. So, recently I received a few questions on why we should engage in self-care activities and what are some examples of self-care activities. In this blog, I plan to discuss what self-care is, the benefits of self-care, and give examples of self-care activities. 

What is Self-Care

Self-care is intentional and voluntary. Self-care is practiced frequently and consistently. Self-care is any activity that enhances your cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Benefits of Self-Care

Cognitive: One of the benefits of self-care is better focus. Self-care allows you to slow down enough to be able to focus on the things that are most important. When you are able to focus on the things that are most important, you are able to say the “forbidden word” (i.e. “no”), which allows you to accomplish the things that are more aligned with your values, beliefs, and goals. Moreover, when you take the time to give yourself some positive attention and time, that energy in turn is able to be manifested in a way that gives you the most use of it. 

Emotional: Another benefit of self-care is improved self-esteem. Think about this—when people are interested in you…it makes you feel good. When people take the time to buy you flowers and candy, it makes you feel good. Positive attention and efforts, in turn, makes you feel good. It leads you to think about how important you must be for someone to take the time out to think about you and show they love and care about you. Well, the same goes for when you show your own self that same love and attention. This attention is flattering. As a result, your sense of self is enhanced. 

Physical: Mentioning this last benefit will make me look like a nerd, but it would be a disservice if I did not mention it. This last benefit is important to our physical health. Research has shown that being involved in self-care activities activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The para sympathetic nervous system is responsible for resting and rejuvenating the body, which helps the immune system fight off infection. In turn, this means being less sick :). 

Examples of self-care 

The type of self-care activity depends on what you like to do. The overall aim for self-care is to get the body in a resting and rejuvenating state. In other words, to be able to let all tension and pressure go to re-charge the mind, body, and soul-  your cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.  Self-care can include a number of different activities. Below are some examples of self-care activities: (this is not an all inclusive list)

• get a massage
• read a book
• do a puzzle
• try acupuncture
• go to the spa
• exercise
• go camping
• call someone you haven’t talked to in a while
• tell a family member you love them
• have lunch with a friend
• take a nap
• take a long bath
• light a candle
• smell a rose

In Conclusion:

Self-care is so important to your mental, emotional, and physical health. Take the time out to invest in yourself. If you do not invest in yourself, no one else will! Let me know what you think? Moreover, email me what activities you do to take care of yourself at famecoachingandconsulting@gmail.com and stop by and visit my website at famecoachingandconsulting.com. I would love to hear from you:) Remember take GOOD care of yourself:)

-Love always, reese:)