IS SELF CARE A FORM OF MENTAL HEALTH?

​2020 ushered in new era of hyper awareness.  People become acutely aware what was going on around them, which had profound effects on their mental health. The year couldn't have been more of a disaster! The pandemic, black lives matter, wars, civil unrest, human rights violations, and the effects of global warming (just to name a few). Somehow we all silently knew that nothing would ever be the same. But with all this unrest and instability, came new coping mechanisms.

Very early in the pandemic, #selfcare started trending. People became more transparent about how they were feeling. Many of us were struggling and looking for a way out. Personally I was struggling to cope. I felt trapped in my apartment far away from the people I cared about.  I was worried about my future, my loved ones, and the state of the world.  Three lockdowns in Paris didn't help either. I was like a caged animal searching for a way out. And as the days passed, it became harder to exercise patience.  My life was at a standstill, and I could feel the weight bearing down on shoulders.

Before the pandemic started, I was always on the go. Work, work, work. I didn't know when to rest. I just kept going and going until I was burnt out. Once I was out of commission, then and only then would I stop to take care of myself.  

Now there was this new thing called self-care. I had to learn in a new way. I started to put myself first.  Slowly I began to realize that I would never be as happy  and successful as I wanted to be unless I began to practice self-care. But what did self-care look like?

Self-care can be defined as taking the necessary steps to provide oneself with psychological well being. That may look different for everyone, and manifest itself in different ways. According to the ​World Health Organization, self-care is defined as "a broad concept which also encompasses hygiene (general and personal); nutrition (type and quality of food eaten); lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure etc.); environmental factors (living conditions, social habits); socioeconomic factors (income level, cultural beliefs etc.);  and self-medication." 

What does self-care mean to you? And how have you implemented the practice of self care in your daily life?  
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HOW TO PRACTICE SELF CARE

• Sleep: I know it may seem silly, but sleep is often overlooked when it comes to self-care.  Getting adequate rest is essential.  Our bodies need to time to  recuperate from the daily aggressors and mental stress.  Sleep deprivation  is associated with a number of health problems, and can also age us significantly.
• Nutrition: What we put into our bodies is as equally important when it comes to self-care. The body  needs to be replenished with the necessary vitamins and minerals in order to function properly.  Being consciously mindful of what we put into  our bodies is what keeps us healthy and strong.   
• Meditation & Yoga: The practice of mindful activities are beneficial for our overall wellbeing.  Meditation is effective at dealing with various conditions like stress, anxiety, pain, depression, insomnia, and hypertension.  Implementing practices  such as yoga and meditation can really ground you, give you a sense of peace and help you along on your self-care journey.
• Exercise: Exercising improves your health and increases your sense of well-being. It is a wonderful way to boost your mood.  When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins. Endorphins are responsible for making you feel good by creating a euphoric feeling.
• Journaling: Journaling is an excellent self-care technique.  It can help clarify your thoughts and feelings. Journaling is a great way to reduce stress, get to know yourself better, and increase feelings of happiness.
• Beauty Rituals: Having beauty rituals are important.  Taking time to pamper yourself can do wonders.  Whether it's putting on your favorite face mask, going for a massage or treating yourself to a spa day; taking time to beautify yourself can do wonders for your mood and well-being.
• Connecting with Nature: Spending time outdoors and  connecting with nature is an excellent way to connect with oneself. Just taking a walk in the woods, along the beach, or river can have a relaxing effect on the body and reduce stress levels.  If you live in the city, then visiting a local park is helpful.  Take time to breathe, smell the fresh air, and observe all the wonders of your environment. 
• Creating Boundaries: Having boundaries is essential for self-care.  Sometimes we have toxic people in our lives, but we don't know how to let go.  Letting go of toxic people and situations can be psychologically liberating. When we release things, people, and situations that no longer serve us; we open up the door for something greater to come in.

​There are many other ways to practice self-care.  Implementing the correct self-care practices ultimately depends on what feels right to you, and what fits into your lifestyle. Creating healthy habits that foster our emotional and psychological wellbeing gives us a sense of serenity, and helps us to evolve.  Supporting oneself by creating an environment of self-love is the key to healing the inner self.  Self-care is  not selfish but an act of self-love.