Self-care has become a buzzword in the mental health sector, where it promotes the importance of taking time for oneself. It is not selfish to take some time for oneself, but it can often be taken for granted in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, different techniques and strategies can be supportive based on individual preferences.
Self-care research has mentioned cultural differences in what constitutes taking care of oneself since it is based on social behaviours, customs, and ideas. For instance, the universal category of self-care is viewed as engaging in physical activity, healthy eating and good hygiene. In contrast, speaking with a physician in some countries would be regarded as not important or valued.
Engaging in self-care routines can feel like it’s not a priority, but self-care research discussed that it could influence an individual’s habits and motivation through goal setting.
Moreover, these habits and motivation could be better understood by looking through a conceptual framework that conveys different layers of interaction with self-care strategies. These practices have been passed throughout societies and generations.
Nowadays, people access new information, products, and interventions through stores, pharmacies, and the internet to support their wellbeing.
Why is Self-Care Important?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designed a conceptual framework for self-care that recognizes the traditional practices and other techniques passed down from communities and generations.
The conceptual framework demonstrates the interaction with the individual and the health system. Accountability has to occur on both sides, ranging from the individual to the health care system on providing accessible self-care techniques to creating time for oneself to engage in the practices. Hence, the framework demonstrates that self-care has been a part of daily life for centuries, but it can also be supportive during stressful times with more tools.
The benefits of engaging with self-care activities does not only improve one’s health but also self-efficacy.
These are some self-care techniques that can help with building resiliency:
- Setting mini self-care goals are going to better for you in the long-run
- Managing Friendships. Connecting with positive people can be supportive and helpful towards boosting your energy
- Creating a self-care plan. Having a template can help you integrate time for self-care practices
- Creative Ways to Journal
- Coping with stress through self-care tools such as physical activity and meditation