Why, What and How of Self-Care

In this article we will learn the following

-19 pre-requisite mental-emotional frames and mindset - we need to develop so that we can take care of ourselves in most powerful and rejuvenating ways plus What self-care is not

-75 Tips on How to take care of Yourself through Pampering and Indulging Yourself in such a ways that it brings out the best in you as well as in others

Why, What and How of Self Care

What is one thing which happens to be THE most important thing in our life - which almost all of us IGNORE?

Well it is Self-Care and Self-Pampering - in most empowering and meaningful ways.

If we don't choose to take care of ourselves as priority - our Growth, our Success, our Emotional-Mental-Physical Well-Being, Our Happiness, Our Relationships, Our Self-Confidence and anything-else that matters to us - remains stagnated.

In many people's life Self-Care and Self-Pampering is the lowest priority or no priority at all – especially if they are the Type 2 Personality as in Enneagram.

Then there are also those people - who feel guilty – if they indulge in their self-care – they feel as if they are being selfish.

And then there are few folks who - actually wait for others to care for them and satisfying their needs - but - will that happen - very unlikely.

If you are stressed more often - than being happy, get-irritated frequently and are frustrated plus feel low emotionally on regular basis - the reason could be that your own emotional and other needs are not being met adequately enough.

19 pre-requisite mental-emotional frames and mindset - we need to develop so that we can take care of ourselves in most powerful and rejuvenating ways - please understand the following

• 1.Self-care is not a One-Time-Deal – it should happen every day TILL it becomes our natural habit
• 2.Self-care does not have to happen – ONLY after we are finished-with all our Chores and Responsibilities – in fact the days you are most occupied, you need self-care most
• 3.Self-care has to be our No.1 Priority – because - when are at our optimum emotionally, physically, and mentally – only then, we can add real meaningful values to ourselves as well as to others – especially those we care for and all those who are important to us
• 4.Self-care is OUR RESPONSIBILITY and nobody else's
• 5.The more we postpone our own self-care – the more negative issues start manifesting in our lives and we start feeling unfulfilled, uncared, unloved and overwhelmed
• 6.Self-care is not about whether or not you can afford it financially [although there are many ways – you can treat yourself, if you have the financial liberty] – in this article we would be focusing more on Non-Financial ways to pamper ourselves
• 7.Self-care is also – is not about- To-Hell-With-Others and their needs [these are the people who are closest to us] and using the resources only on ourselves – putting others in difficult position by splurging all on us
• 8.Instead – it about balancing Your Needs with Those of Others who are dependent on you
• 9.We work hard – celebrating and having fun while relaxing - time to time is just plain common-sense - we deserve it and we need it
• 10.Life is always going to be full of stresses
• 11.Our resilience develops when we face the tough times knowing and accepting that we are going through hard-time and also having full faith that we are going to bounce-back but - This happens only when we make self-care as our priority
• 12.Self-care is actually replenishing our inner resources and recharging our inner-power
• 13.Although the self-care is about doing what makes you feel good – UNDERSTAND that -not everything that feels good is self-care – at times many of give-in to the temptation for unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs, alcohol, jumping into multiple sexual relationships etc.
• 14.The difference between unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-care is that When practiced correctly- Self-care has long-term benefit for our mind, our body, our emotions
• 15.Self-care is one of the most profound investment that we can make in our life
• 16.The time spent of Self-care – is never wasted – as it makes it up in the most important areas of our lives in the most powerful ways
• 17.Not having time for self-care – is a big excuse that give to ourselves
• 18.If you are a care-giver for others - then for you your Self-care is MOST IMPORTANT and completely non-negotiable - you can only ignore at your own loss
• 19. What self-care is not
• I.An excuse to continually be unhealthy and to justify our poor habits
• II.Spending excess money on yourself – more than you have [say by spending through loan and credit-card etc.]
• III.Being Selfish in such a way – that you take away other's entitlements and rights – just to please your senses

11 Top Benefits of Self Care

• 1.Better productivity
• 2.Learning to say NO to things those that are low-priority/detrimental – gives you the resources to focus the most important ones
• 3.Improved resistance to disease and Better physical and mental health
• 4.Handling failures and set-backs effectively
• 5.Enhanced self-esteem, Self-confidence
• 6.Satisfaction and Peace of Mind
• 7.Understanding Self and Understanding Others Better
• 8.Ability to give More
• 9.Excellence in performance
• 10.Lower level of stress
• 11.Bouncing-back easily from setbacks-crisis-failures

8 Types of Self Care

• 1.Pampering Our Senses – like Smell, Sight, Hearing, Touch and Taste [this one has to happen - in a healthy balanced-manner] - to calm our mind
• 2.Emotional – feeling yourself feel what you feel
• 3.Spiritual – get in touch with your values and what really matters to you
• 4.Social – connect with other people is necessary for happiness as It helps you to understand that you're not alone
• 5.Personal growth – learning, becoming proficient, developing skills, mastering
• 6.Our Inner-Power – by stretching ourselves beyond our limitations while enjoying the thrill of challenging ourselves
• 7.Growth - challenging ourselves to stretch beyond comfort zones
• 8.Learning to make us updated with the latest required skills as well as with future skills

75 Tips on How to take care of Yourself through Pampering and Indulging Yourself in such a ways that it brings out the best in you as well as in others

• 1.Ask yourself what you can do for your self-care that most people wouldn't think of plus which is very thrillingly satisfying to you – without costing much and without harming anyone
• 2.Stop doing things you dislike or hate – don't do anything just because others are doing it
• 3.Find activities that you look forward to and love doing even at the end of a long and tiring day
• 4.Experiment with different things/activities/routine that makes you feel come alive
• 5.Practice introspective self-inquiry – by going within yourself deeply to understand how your stressful thoughts are creating havoc and to see your own irrational thinking
• 6.Start small – that is how you would ever manage to get into the habit of Self-care
• 7.Identifying and setting healthy boundaries around you
• 8.When changing the situation is truly impossible [at the current moment] - creating small comforts is highly important
• 9.Having fun – is THE KEY MANTRA – for self-care. Forcing yourself to the gym when you are fatigued, is not going to lighten you up – instead, it may do you more harm
• 10.Stick to the basics of what comes to your mind to relax - Over time you will find your own rhythm and routine
• 11.Self-care needs to be pro-actively planned
• 12.Actively look for opportunities to practice self-care
• 13.Create a NO list and things that are Non-Negotiable. Then stick with it
• 14.Nap in the middle of the day – for 15-20 minutes – always - whenever possible
• 15.Promote a nutritious, healthy diet, sleep well, exercise, learn to breath properly and meditate
• 16.Spend enough time with your loved ones
• 17.Do at least one relaxing activity every day AND Do at least one pleasurable activity every day
• 18.Find reason to laugh heartily at least once in a day
• 19.Start a new hobby - which not only make you get out of your comfort zone but also is thrilling
• 20.Set Yourself Up for Success by taking small-small steps and actions - Be Flexible - Make It Work for You
• 21.By taking care of ourselves we create a space around us where we feel-fulfilled, feel-blissful and contended, feel nourished and cared-for and are able to nourish and care for those around us more effectively
• 22.Think about all the WHYs of what you are planning to do - Before starting a new self-care routine – identify your ultimate why
• 23.Brainstorm ideas and write them down - which can make you feel indulged and pampered and good about yourself
• 24.Ensure consistency - Create a schedule and follow it – although be flexible to adopt with the unexpected
• 25.Practice saying NO to things that makes you feel bad about yourself
• 26.Stop comparing yourself to others – instead benchmark your yesterday with your today
• 27.Stop being a perfectionist - Focus on excellence
• 28.Recognize and Celebrate your success, wins and strengths
• 29.Catch up with friends
• 30.Take a leisurely bath - Wear your best dress – just on impulse
• 31.Watch a who-Dun-it on YouTube
• 32.Read a Book
• 33.Get yourself a massage by pressing and squeezing your pressure points especially behind neck
• 34.Join a dance, yoga, music class that you have always wanted to join
• 35.Indulge in your impulsive taste-buds too - Order a pizza, open a bottle of red wine from your cellar –
• 36.BUT THIS IS ONLY VERY OCCASIONALLY
• 37.Cook your favorite dish
• 38.Walk somewhere you can be with nature without distractions
• 39.Outsource some of your chores
• 40.Go see a movie or a theater
• 41.Clear clutter – get organized
• 42.Snuggle in bed with a good book
• 43.Have a Picnic for One
• 44.Breathe Deeply and Consciously
• 45.Sleep naked
• 46.On weekends and holidays -Eat When You Are Hungry - Stop When You Are Satisfied - Sleep When You Are Tired - Wake up late
• 47.Few times wake-up early – to enjoy the nature OR just to simply sit in silence
• 48.Allow Yourself To Feel Your Feelings - sad, good, bad and ugly at all without judging yourself
• 49.Keep your routine simple
• 50.Check your email and sit on your social media channels - only as per schedule and not when you feel like it
• 51.Say NO to social events that leaves you feeling drained
• 52.Play/Cuddle with your pet
• 53.Visit your local library - read books and smell the old book smell
• 54.Do a household chore you've been putting off.
• 55.Watch motivational videos
• 56.Finds reasons to be grateful
• 57.Laze around for a bit - Be in the sun
• 58.Get out of your comfort zone
• 59.Get rid of Toxic People
• 60.Ask for help - when you are struggling
• 61.Reach out to others - when they are suffering
• 62.Help the helpless -without being asked
• 63.Plan a small holiday - Turn off your phone - tell people you'll be away - and then do something new
• 64.Keep yourself hydrated - Drink enough water
• 65.Learn to handle your Stress better - identify and Avoid triggers
• 66.Wear comfortable clothes
• 67.Play Sudoku or other mind games
• 68.Listen to music
• 69.Try other fitness activities like water-aerobics under supervision
• 70.Dance as if no one is watching
• 71.Join a community sports team like softball or kickball
• 72.Unplug completely
• 73.Clean Up Your Social Media Contacts - keep only those whose values and posts resonates with you
• 74.Try Something New Just for Fun
• 75.Create a Social Support group

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