Why Self-Care Matters | Injury Matters

What is self-care?

We’ve all heard the term self-care but what does it mean? Self-care is any activity you do that helps you maintain your physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Self-care will mean different things to different people and what we do can evolve over time. While it’s easy to overlook, not engaging in self-care can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, resentment and even burnout. So, why is it important to take care of yourself, and how can you get started?

The benefits of self-care

Having a self-care routine can benefit us in many ways:

Physical: Self-care has been shown to improve our physical health, whether it’s through engaging in exercise, eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep (for you) and even keeping up with those regular doctor or dentist check-ups.

Emotional and Social Wellbeing: Self-care plays a pivotal role in nurturing relationships with those who are important to us. By focusing on yourself, and prioritising self-care, you will have the emotional energy, that enables you to be present, attentive, and invested in those important relationships.

Stress Management and Overall Happiness: Daily self-care activities contribute to stress reduction and a greater sense of well-being. When you engage in activities that bring you joy or satisfaction, you foster happiness and balance in your life.

Getting started with self-care

Establishing a self-care routine doesn’t need to take a lot of time (although if you have it, that’s great too). As little as 5 minutes each day can make a meaningful difference. What is important is recognising that this is something you are doing for yourself.

Here are some practical suggestions: –

Schedule health appointments: Make time for essential health check-ups, such an eye test or dentist appointment. These appointments can help prevent long-term issues and ensure you are staying on top of your health.
Take breaks for reflection: Step away from your desk for a few minutes to enjoy a morning coffee in a quiet space. Taking short breaks throughout the day can improve focus and reduce stress.
Prioritise physical activity: Consider trying a new class at the gym or using some of your lunch break for a walk around the block. Regular movement is a key component of maintaining both physical and mental health.
Foster social connections: Catch up with friends and family regularly. Social interaction is vital for emotional well-being and helps provide support when life gets challenging.
Explore new interests: Try a new hobby or take up an old hobby. Engaging in creative or leisure activities can provide fulfilment and joy.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporating practices such as journaling or meditation into your routine can help manage stress and improve emotional resilience.

Having a variety of activities to choose from ensures that you can always find something that works for you, no matter what life throws your way. On days you are feeling low or stressed you might not feel like going for a run, but you may benefit from a nurturing yoga session instead.

A self-care routine for life’s challenges

A good self-care routine helps us navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience. However, it’s normal for self-care to take a backseat when life becomes overwhelming. This is normal. However, when we make self-care part of our daily routine (eating well, getting enough sleep, engaging in our favourite activities) we build a foundation that helps us to rise to life’s challenges.

Remember: Having a self-care plan helps us to incorporate self-care into our daily routine so that when life gets tough, you’ll have the physical, mental and emotional resources to meet those challenges.

Find out more

To learn more about the importance of self-care, check out these helpful resources: