Self-care is something that has become increasingly important and more talked about in recent years. People are becoming more aware of the importance of taking care of their physical, mental and emotional health as they navigate through life's challenges.
At Handle With Love, we care about self-care. This is the core reason we personally make each product and care package with love.
What is self-care?
At its core, self-care is all about taking the time and making the effort to prioritise your own wellbeing.
We get it! This can be challenging in a world that often places a high value on productivity and achievement, but it is absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.
But how do I practice self-care?
If you Google search self-care it is likely to bring up a huge amount of results. For example:
Take care of your physical health: This includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy and balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking care of any medical needs.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you manage stress and anxiety, improve focus and concentration, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath or using a mindfulness app to guide you through meditation.
Engage in activities that bring you joy: This might include hobbies like painting, playing music, or gardening, or simply spending time with loved ones and pets.
Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, especially when you are going through a difficult time. This might mean giving yourself permission to take a break, asking for help when you need it, or simply acknowledging that you are doing the best you can.
Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries and say “no” to activities or commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities. This can help you avoid burnout and ensure that you have time and energy to focus on the things that matter most to you.
Disconnect from technology: Take a break from your phone, computer, and other devices to give your brain a rest and recharge your energy levels.
Spend time in nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and physical health. Take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Although great ideas, some of these can seem overwhelming and immediately get put in the 'too hard' basket.
The KEY to self-care is to find what works best for you and to make self-care a priority in your life. It could be as simple as a couple of deep breaths, smelling the aroma of essential oils or putting your feet on the grass for just a few moments.
Self-care is only one small action away...
You've got this!
By taking the time to care for yourself, you can improve your overall wellbeing, boost your productivity and creativity, and enhance your ability to connect with others.
Remember, self-care is not a one-time luxury or something that takes up too much of your precious time. It's an ongoing practice that can be one small thing every day. With consistent effort and attention, prioritising your self-care will soon be a great new habit.
So go ahead and prioritise yourself! Self-care is not selfish!
