Why You Should Make Time for Self-Care (And How to Do It)

The Importance of Self-Care for Physical and Mental Health

Luís Próspero
3 min readJan 7, 2023
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Self-care is one of those things that we all know we should be doing, but often struggle to make time for in our busy lives.

We might feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, or simply not know where to start.

But the truth is, self-care is essential for our physical and mental well-being, and neglecting it can lead to serious consequences.

First of all, let’s get one thing straight:

Self-care is not selfish

It’s not about indulging in luxurious spa treatments or splurging on expensive purchases (although those things can certainly be part of a self-care routine).

Self-care is simply about taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally.

It’s about paying attention to our needs and taking the time to nurture ourselves.

But why is self-care so important?

For starters, it can have a huge impact on our physical health.

Taking care of ourselves means getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active.

It also means setting boundaries and saying no when we need to.

All of these things can help us avoid burnout and maintain our energy levels.

Self-care is also crucial for our mental well-being

Taking time for ourselves can help reduce stress and improve our overall mood. It can also boost our self-esteem and confidence.

And who doesn’t want a little more of that in their life?

So how can you make time for self-care in your busy schedule?

One tip is to try and incorporate it into your daily routine.

This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate in the morning or going for a walk during your lunch break.

You can also set aside specific times each week to focus on self-care, such as scheduling a massage or taking a yoga class.

It’s also important to find activities that you actually enjoy.

If you hate the gym, don’t force yourself to go just because you think you should. Instead, find an activity that you look forward to, like going for a hike or trying out a new sport.

And remember, self-care doesn’t have to be a solo activity.

Spending time with friends or loved ones can also be a form of self-care.

Of course, there will always be obstacles to making time for self-care.

You might feel guilty for taking time for yourself, or worry that you’re being selfish.

But it’s important to remember that self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

And when you prioritize your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of your life.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a bubble bath or take a nap.

You deserve it.

And if anyone gives you grief for putting yourself first, just remind them that self-care is not selfish, it’s self-full.

Because when you’re full, you have more to give to others.

In conclusion,

self-care is essential for our physical and mental well-being.

It can help reduce stress, improve our mood, and boost our self-esteem.

By making self-care a regular part of our lives, we can be better equipped to handle the demands of our daily lives.

So don’t be afraid to take a little time for yourself. Your body (and mind) will thank you.

--

--

Luís Próspero
Luís Próspero

Written by Luís Próspero

I have a very long list of universities from which I've dropped out. I've learned a lot just by being thrown around by life.

No responses yet