Why self care?

Have you heard of Self-Care? It seems to be the new thing. 

We have had moments of viral videos about new things to try, not always healthy like the ice bucket challenge.

Reminds me of when we were kids hearing, if your friends jumped off a cliff would you?

We often follow the crowd thinking whatever is new must be amazing and good for the future me.

That is not always the case as we learned as we grew up.

The Bible says “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

The easy way isn't always the right way.

Success takes hard work. Growing up in this world is hard. We must make difficult choices and do hard tasks in order to accomplish things in this life.

According to the Self Care Federation, "Self-care is the practice of individuals looking after their own health using the knowledge and information available to them. It is a decision-making process that empowers individuals to look after their own health efficiently and conveniently, in collaboration with health and social care professionals as needed."

We don't like the health care system anyway, but can we take care of ourselves?

Remember the flight attendant saying to put your mask on first before helping a child or person near you?

Have you ever thought of why?

Picture the oxygen masks falling out of the ceiling and the panic that ensues. You lean over to help your young child or elderly lady near you, then you go to put your mask on. The cabin has been without oxygen for a few moments, but with that pressurization that is plenty of time for the oxygen to dissipate into the air. Now is there enough oxygen for you to think and put your own mask on? Maybe but don't be too sure. Your brain needs the oxygen. 

If you put your mask on first, your brain is functioning properly and you have enough thought and energy to help others if they are unable to do so.

This translates into our lives as well. Take care of you first and then you'll have enough energy, will power, strength and motivation to help others.

When we don't take care of ourselves, we can fall into depression or sadness even just a little and our energy and even enjoyment falls. 

You don't want those around your to suffer, but are you allowing yourself to suffer, even a little bit?

Take care of you!

Read self help books, talk to friends and co-workers, take care of your physical body as well as your mental and emotional health. It is all part of you.

Here are ways you can care for yourself from the National Institute of Mental Health

• Get regular exercise
• Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated
• Make sleep a priority
• Try a relaxing activity
• Set goals and priorities
• Practice gratitude
• Focus on positivity
• Stay connected