What is Self-Care?
Self-care is the little things we do to look after ourselves, our body, and our mental health. It is all about maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. Self-care activities might be different for every person. The important thing is not to compare ourselves with others and decide what works for you. It doesn’t have to be anything huge though. Self-care is anything you do for yourself that makes you feel better about yourself.
Benefits of Self-Care
When you start caring for yourself it will have a knock-on effect on your health. You will start feeling more confident and it will help you cope with the stresses in your life. It can help you reduce anxiety and boost your esteem. As you continue to care for yourself you will feel mentally at ease and happier. As you feel healthier and happier you will start to build better relationships with friends and family.
Reasons why we may NOT take care of ourselves
- We think we are only supposed to care for others
- We think that caring for ourselves is a sign of being weak
- We believe that we are being selfish
Self-Care & South Asian Women
It has been observed that South Asians, specifically women tend to ignore themselves. Often, fulfilling the needs of their children and husband is their priority. Then on the list is their immediate family, extended family, friends, neighbours; but nowhere are they on the list. Whilst there is nothing wrong in looking after your family, ignoring oneself will only cause harm.
There is evidence to suggest that South Asian women in the UK are suffering from distress and mental health problems and one of the highlighted issues was dealing with their family and children’s issues.
South Asian women need to understand that they would only be able to look after their family once they start looking after themselves. They need to understand that if they start prioritising themselves, they will be in a better position to look after their family.
Sharing a quote commonly heard by South Asian women.
“After cooking, cleaning, looking after children/in-laws/husband I do not have any energy to look after myself!”
A reminder that you don’t not need to do anything that requires high energy. It can be reading, taking a bath, listening to music, meditating, praying or putting on your favourite nail varnish.
Are you practicing self-care? Find out how many ticks you get.
Self-Care Checklist:
Physical Self Care
- Eating well
- Sleeping well?
- Including movement and exercise in your daily routine
- Looking after your hair, nails, and skin
Social Self Care
- Spending quality time with your friends
- Going out with your friends
Mental Care
- Doing things you enjoy
- Self-compassion
- Practicing gratitude
- Being positive
Self-care is not being selfish. Look after yourself! You are worthy of self-care.
Yes i agreed we are not taking care of ourselves .but now i will start doing it .
Yes i don’t care of myself that’s why I m getting weaker day by day
Yes i dunt care for myself i am into depression and anxiety noww..
Thank you for reminding yo take care. I ve always been taking care but sometimes I just forget for some days and then recall and start practicing.
Love
Yes it is very important. I try to do everything in balance. But like every other person we tend to forget but in our circle of friends and family we should constantly remind each other and help take that time out for ourselves and others as well..
Thanks
You are so right we must take care of ourselves ? but we don’t..
I will try to take care of myself.in fact I will. insha’Allah..