Self-care is healthcare

We’ve been through a rough couple of years. It’s completely understandable to be feeling burned out and stressed. While self-care may sound like a buzzword, it’s vitally important as other care practices to help keep you free from lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, heart attack and cancer. Self-care is defined by the steps a person can take to stay healthy—mentally and physically. Especially for women, self-care can often take a backseat to caring for everyone else around them. Knowing that maintaining your health and well-being is the only way you’ll have the capacity to care for others can be the first step in your own self-care routine.

What is self-care and why is it so important?

Chronic stress can cause a host of problems. While some levels of stress can be healthy, being chronically stressed causes the immune system to overreact, which can lead to many health conditions. It can also cause you to make unhealthy choices to try to unwind, which can make anxiety and depression worse. Indulging in alcohol or comfort foods or binging TV can cause weight gain and lead to chronic illness. Depending on your level of health, your self-care routine might look different from someone else’s, and that’s OK! The focus should be on you.

Finding your self-care routine

If you can relate to this article, you need a self-care routine. In addition to the many meditation apps out there, you can find free meditation videos on YouTube. The simple act of paying attention to your breathing can help calm stress and anxiety, lower pain levels and even improve your attention span.

Getting regular physical activity has so many benefits for the body and mind. Your goal should be at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, but even 10 minutes, three times a day can help improve your overall physical and mental health.

Stress-relieving activities help lower your blood pressure, improve your mood and balance your hormones, including cortisol (the stress hormone).

Here are a few self-care practices you can adopt to maintain health:

● Spending time in nature changes our brains and delivers long-term benefits, including boosting mood and may increase our attention span and our ability to connect with others.

● Making sleep a priority will give you the energy you need to take care of yourself and others during the day.

● Writing about what you’re grateful for can put your life in perspective.

● Enjoying a cup of chamomile tea and a book before bedtime can help you fall asleep faster.

● Doing some simple stretches or yoga poses can help you relax.

● Calling or texting a friend or family member, just to say hi, keeps you connected to your loved ones.

● Sitting outside for 15 minutes, just listening, without looking at your phone. You may learn that your phone’s notifications cause more anxiety.

Think you don’t have time to blow off some steam? Put on your favorite song and have a three-minute dance party in your living room. Bonus points for including your kids or partner! You’ll boost your mood and have more energy for all the tasks you still have to accomplish.

Feeling burned out and needing more than just self-care? Visit LCMCHealth.org for information and resources to get back to living your best life.

Learn more about our comprehensive Women's Health services.

Regular Primary Care visits are important to your preventative health. Schedule your wellness visit today.