It’s time to show yourself you care! More and more people have become aware of the importance of self care, especially in the post Covid world. Open any website or print magazine and you’ll be inundated with hundreds of ideas about how to go about taking care of yourself, ranging from warm scented baths, going on a cruise or retail therapy to bingeing on sweet treats and mindfulness meditation.
There’s no doubt that most of these ideas will help you achieve your goal, but taking a more focused approach will give you the sustainable, long-term results that are more important.
What Is Stress?
In earlier times, consistent hard work and relentless striving were deemed to be admirable virtues. “Workaholism” was often the butt of jokes but there was an underlying approval to it. Efforts, exertion, toil were excellent, while lazing around, relaxing, or being laidback were often censured. Taking rest or a break is seen as a luxury or indulgence or simply being lazy.
The harmful effects of physical and mental stress were first understood when Canadian physician Hans Selye proposed in 1920 that stress impacted health.
The Stress Reaction: Fight or Flight (or Freeze)
Known as the Fight, Flight or Freeze response, it is designed to protect us from danger, whether real or perceived danger. It is a physiological one that is activated by the sympathetic nervous system. Hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, and sugar are released into the bloodstream, heart-rate and blood-pressure increase, non-essential functions such as digestion are temporarily halted, the pupils dilate, hair stands on end, the mouth is dry, and breathing is speeded up.
When the threat has passed, the parasympathetic system kicks in and triggers the Rest and Digest relaxation response. Hormone, sugar, blood-pressure and breathing are stabilized and the body resumes its normal state of equilibrium. Functions such as digestion continue.
However, when the state of stress continues without a break, it causes a range of damages to the body and mind. Cardiac issues, diabetes, auto-immune conditions, anxiety, depression, insomnia, chest and joint pains, inability to concentrate, sexual dysfunction, relationship problems and more are the result.
Benefits of Rest and Relaxation
When you rest and relax, your mood and behavior undergo instant change. Your cognitive function improves, you are able to learn better, your relationships at work and home become strong, and your performance and productivity get a boost. Physically, your health improves, you get relief from pain, energy levels go up, cardiovascular health is maintained along with freedom from lifestyle diseases, aches and pains.
Self Care Resources To De-Stress
Self care is not about being selfish. It means prioritizing certain aspects of care that relate to yourself so that you can improve your own health and consequently that of the larger social structure. You can find more information here: https://restanddigest.com.au/
- Create a self care plan: Take some time to analyze your lifestyle and routine. Begin working on removing harmful habits such as excessive drinking, poor nutrition, substance abuse, smoking. Your plan must include exercise, balanced meals at regular times, enough sleep time, work-life boundaries, hobbies and interests, managing your finances and regular health check-ups. Learn a new skill or language. Travel to a new destination.
- Adopt Mindfulness: Develop the habit of mindfulness and gratitude in your life. No matter what activity you are engaged in, it should be done with full consciousness. Practice daily kindness and gratitude.
- Set Achievable Goals: If you plan to get more exercise, or eat a more healthy diet, plan to achieve smaller goals step by step rather than set yourself a massive goal that will ensure failure. Take a practical approach to creating a new format for life.
- Emotional Resources: Nurture your close relationships and spend more time with family and friends you enjoy being with. Take up journaling, yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. Detox from social media at least once or twice a week. Listen to your favorite music, read and watch movies that don’t cause agitation. Avoid following politics and TV debates that can increase your stress.
- Environment: Your surroundings play a major role in your emotional and physical wellness. De-clutter your living spaces, tidy and organize your work area, let more natural light and air into your home and work spaces. Nurture greenery and grow your own herbs and vegetables if you have space.
