Self care and self-esteem are inextricably linked. We increase our self-esteem when we practice good self-care.
Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel. (Eleanor Brown)
In the previous article on Physical Self-Care we discussed self-care in a general way. So by now you probably understand that by self-care we mean being kind and compassionate to yourself, with the goal of improving your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can care for others, and you can do all the things you need to do each day. So self-care is not synonymous with self-indulgence or being selfish.
Caring for Yourself so You Can Help Others
Self-care is important because caring for yourself can help you manage stressors in your life. You take care of your own health and well-being. In addition, if you struggle with low self-esteem or you lack self-confidence, you can turn your self-doubt into self-love by practicing self-care.
If you spend your time caring for other people, striving overly hard on your career, volunteering, worrying about what’s next do you are never mindful of the moment, the resulting panic and anxiety are likely making you miserable. You can’t be everything to everybody, so it’s time to take a step in another direction. It’s time to find what’s missing. That missing component is caring for yourself. When we give ourselves the opportunity to engage caring for ourselves, we learn how much we are worth, how much we do, and how much we grow from both difficult and joyful moments in our life.
By placing your well-being as a top priority you become happier, balanced, self assured. You begin to realize that to care for yourself is to believe that you matter. To know that you are enough. The important thing to remember about self-care is that it is about listening to what your mind and body need.
Caring for yourself is imperative in maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others. It produces positive feelings, which builds self-love. It builds self-confidence and self-esteem. Self-care and self-esteem are intertwined
You may already practice self-care physically but there are other areas of you that might need self-care as well.
Emotional Self-Care
It’s important to have healthy coping skills to deal with difficult emotions like anger, anxiety, and sadness. Caring for yourself emotionally may include activities to help you identify and express your feelings.
- Talk to a partner, friend or family
- Take part in leisure activities Read a book,
- Take a walk, watch a funny movie
- Practice breathing techniques
- Listen to music
Spiritual Self-Care
This can but does not have to involve religion. Just anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of understanding, or connection with the universe.
- Practice yoga or meditation
- Mindful walking/be in nature
- Journal/write or read inspiring material
- Immerse yourself in art as an artist or viewer
Related Articles:
- Best Self-Care Ideas
- Self-Care: Relationships & Boundaries
- Codependency and Self-Care
- Physical Self-Care
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