……………………………..Main Street Medical Monthly Digest ……………………………….

 

 

What Self Care is- And What it Isn’t 

By: Mikayla Tuck  July 17th, 2019

When asked if we care about ourselves, our immediate answer is, “yes! of course I care for myself.” A lot of people will clean themselves, brush their teeth, do the necessities of daily living, but unfortunately many people do not realize that  self care is something different and is just as important. 

What is Self Care?

Self care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It is an activity we often enjoy doing. Although it is simple in theory, many people find it difficult to achieve. Good self care is key to improving mood and anxiety issues, it is also proven to improve your relationship with yourself and others.

What Isn’t Self Care? 

Knowing what self care is not might be even more important than knowing what it is. it is an activity we force ourselves to do, or something we don’t enjoy doing. Self care isn’t a selfish act what so ever. it is only about considering our needs. It is also important to be mentally well so we are able to take care of others as well. It is only about considering out needs; it is rather knowing what we need to do in order to take care of ourselves. As Agnes Wainman states, “self care is something that refuels us, rather than take from us.”

 

 

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Where do you start? There are Three Golden Rules.

By: Mikayla Tuck July 17th, 2019

• Always stick to the basics, overtime you will notice your own routine of daily living, you will be able to identify what areas need improvement. you will be able identify more particular forms of self care that works specifically for you!
• self care needs to be something you plan, everybody is so busy, they often forget to schedule in their self care routine. Add certain activities to your calendar you enjoy doing , announce your activities to your peers to increase commitment.
• Be aware of what you do, why you do it , how it feels, and what the outcomes will be. If you cannot answer these questions then perhaps you should reconsider what activities you are planning.

Ideas For Good Self Care 

• Create  “NO” list, with the things you don’t like doing or no longer want to do. such as not checking emails at night, not attending gatherings you don’t like, not answering your phone during lunch.
• Promote a nutritious, healthy diet
• Get enough sleep. Adults need between 7-8 hours per night.
• EXERCISE! This is key to keeping the “happy” endorphins (serotonin) flowing around your body which increases mood, lowers anxiety and is great for overall physical AND mental health.
• Follow up with medical care
• Use relaxation exercises and/or practice meditation. You can do these activities anytime of the day!
• Spend time with your family and friends.
• Do at least one relaxing activity a day, such as taking a walk or spending 30mins unwinding.
• Do at least one pleasurable activity a day, maybe going to the movies, or hanging out with friends.
• Look for opportunities to LAUGH!

Set up a 15 day self care routine and track how you feel before and after. ALWAYS REMEMBER, SELF CARE TAKES PRACTICE!