Self-care is a term that has been gaining more attention in recent years, and for a good reason. It is an essential aspect of our overall health and well-being, and it is something that we should all prioritize in our daily lives. But what exactly is self-care, and why is it so important?

Self-care refers to the activities and practices we engage in to care for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care can include exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. It also includes activities that bring joy and pleasure, such as reading, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby.

The importance of self-care is that it helps promote overall health and well-being, both physically and mentally. When we engage in self-care activities, we are taking steps to improve our physical health by getting enough sleep or exercising regularly. We are also taking steps to improve our mental and emotional health by managing stress or engaging in activities that bring us joy.

But despite the importance of self-care, it can be difficult to prioritize it in our busy lives. We often put the needs of others before our own, or we may feel guilty for taking time for ourselves. However, it is important to remember that caring for ourselves is not selfish. It is essential for our overall health and well-being.

“Self-care is an essential aspect of our overall health and well-being, which we should all prioritize in our daily lives. By making self-care a priority, we can improve our physical, mental, and emotional health, and live happier, healthier lives. So, always make time for yourself and take good care of yourself.”

So how can we make self-care a priority in our lives? Here are a few tips:

• Make a self-care plan. Set aside time each day or week to engage in self-care activities. Your self-care plan could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to meditate or journal or as involved as scheduling a weekly yoga class.
• Be mindful of your needs. Pay attention to your body and mind, and listen to what they tell you. If you are feeling tired, take a nap. If you are feeling stressed, find a way to relax.
• Don’t be afraid to say no. It’s important to set boundaries and not take on more than you can handle. Saying no to certain obligations or commitments can free time for self-care activities.
• Surround yourself with supportive people. Surround yourself with people who understand and support the importance of self-care.

Making the Case for Self-Care

In the article “The Importance of Self-Care in Maintaining Health and Wellness”, published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, J. Scott Ritchie and Jennifer J. Ritchie discuss the importance of self-care in maintaining overall health and wellness and reviews various self-care practices and interventions. Similarly, in a 2013 article titled “The Relationship between Self-Care and Well-Being among College Students”, published in the Journal of American College Health, Marci E. Hahn and Lisa A. Prosser examine the relationship between self-care and well-being among college students. The authors concluded that self-care practices are positively associated with well-being.

Healthcare professionals are not exempted from the need to prioritize self-care. In a 2019 article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology titled “The Role of Self-Care in Mental Health”, Joshua R. Wolford discussed the role of self-care in mental health, including the benefits of self-care practices and strategies for promoting self-care. In addition, J. Scott Ritchie, in an article titled “The Importance of Self-Care for Health Professionals: A Review of the Literature”, published in the Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, reviewed the literature on the importance of self-care for health professionals, including the impact of burnout and the effectiveness of self-care interventions.

Here are some examples of self-care activities that busy women can incorporate into their daily lives:

• Mindfulness meditation: Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Meditation can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. As a Christian, I set aside time to meditate on God’s word.
• Exercise: Even a quick workout, such as a brisk walk or a yoga session, can help to boost mood and reduce stress.
• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and gain insight into your mental and emotional state.
• Reading: Take time daily to read a book, magazine, or article. Reading can be a great way to relax and unwind.
• Self-massage: Give yourself a quick massage to relieve tension and stress, especially on your neck and shoulders.
• Take a bath: Fill a bathtub with warm water and add Epsom salts and essential oils to help you relax and unwind
• Make time for socializing: Meet up with friends virtually or in-person to share and connect with others.
• Get a good night’s sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Prioritizing sleep can help improve your overall well-being.
• Prioritize healthy eating: A healthy diet can give your body the necessary energy and nutrients.
• Plan a solo trip: Take a day trip or weekend getaway, even if it’s just to a nearby park or beach, to spend some time alone and recharge.

Looking for some inspiration (quotes) regarding the importance of self-care?

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brown

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” – Lalah Delia

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed

“Self-care is not a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing practice.” – Unknown

“Self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity.” – Audre Lorde

“Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.” – Unknown

“Self-care is about giving yourself the time and space to do what you need to do to feel your best.” – Unknown

“Self-care is not a destination; it’s a journey.” – Unknown

“Self-care is not an option; it’s a requirement.” – Unknown

“Self-care is how you take your love back to yourself.” – Lalah Delia

Take the time you need to relax and recharge!

“I lied and said I was busy.
I was busy;
but not in a way most people understand.

I was busy taking deeper breaths.
I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.
I was busy calming a racing heart.
I was busy telling myself I am okay.

Sometimes, this is my busy –
and I will not apologize for it.”

– Brittin Oakman

Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke,  you can find all my podcasts via hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify. Please subscribe to this blog, so you can get my latest posts. Let’s connect via LinkedIn! P.S. visit our African Fashion Accessories store and support this blog.