Don’t neglect self-care

In French, the phrase « a healthy lifestyle » could be translated as « un style de vie sain ». But, in a less word-for-word translation, it could also be referred to as « une bonne hygiène de vie », which translates back to English as « good life hygiene ».

Life hygiene. I love the term hygiene because it refers to cleanliness. We all know how important it is to have good physical hygiene, but what about our mental, emotional, and relational hygiene? Could we describe it as clean?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as “The ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.” Oxford English dictionaries describe self-care as “The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health.” 

The expression “self-care” in modern society has been misused in many ways, we can sometimes feel unsure of its meaning. But, it's important to define what self-care is to you.  Here are a few things that I do to take care of my health and well-being, that I believe could benefit you too.

1- Have clear boundaries between your work and your personal time

We live in a society that promotes constant work as a way of justifying our existence. Rest isn’t always well seen and can sometimes be associated with laziness. We wait for our body and mind to break before taking a break. Yet rest is important. 

A balanced life requires time on and time off. So in order to maintain your health before it reaches a point where it needs heavy repairing, a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial. 

In his TED Talk “How to reclaim your life from work” (link here), Simone Stolzoff makes an excellent argument in favour of work-life balance. I highly recommend watching the talk, it’s a short one.

2- Use food to fuel your health and happiness 

Food isn’t just an exciting adventure for our palate. It can be a truly nurturing and energizing experience when you know how to eat. Although highly caloric or sugary food (junk food) can taste good, it can also affect your physical health, reproductive system, mental health and skin health when eaten too often. 

On the other hand, nutritious, healthy food, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, has the power to supercharge your body, boost your mood, and lengthen your life. Eating well is good for you, and it also tastes good when you know how to use all these great ingredients that nature has to offer.

If you do not know where to start on your healthy eating journey, you can find here a list of mood-boosting and health-boosting foods. Bon appétit!

3- Build a healthy circle around you

Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when we are surrounded by others. Psychologists in the field of attachment theory have shown that people accomplish more in life when they are loved well and their attachment needs are met. However, the need for humans to be surrounded does not mean that you should surround yourself with just anybody, as unhealthy relationships can bring more harm than loneliness. Focus on slowly building around you a circle of supportive, respectful, loving, honest, and reciprocating people. This will not only support your mental and physical health, it will also give a little boost to your life expectancy.

4- Have hobbies

Hobbies are important! I used to become stressed when asked « So what do you do for fun? » because, I wasn’t investing much time into leisure. But today, please catch me and ask me this question. I have a list!

The human need for fun and play doesn’t suddenly disappear when we reach adulthood; it simply gets ignored and buried. And everything that is repressed shows up in worse and unexpected forms somewhere else in our lives. Attend your healthy need for amusement and fun. Join a team sport, do something creative, go to a funfair, go watch comedy, the list goes on. You know what you enjoy. If you don’t because it’s been too long, ask yourself the right questions and listen to what your mind is saying. When you find what you like, reserve a spot for it in your weekly schedule.

5- Move your body

It’s a commonly known fact that physical activity is good for our health. However, it’s sometimes difficult for people to move their bodies as they view physical activity as something that is burdensome and has to be hardcore. It’s not always the case. The best way to get into consistent physical activity is to understand that there are some things you like and some you don’t. Moving your body isn’t always hardcore gym sessions. It can be swimming, dancing, hiking with friends, etc. Choosing the physical activity that works for you and making it a part of your routine will improve your physical and mental health. Better sleep, weight management, stronger health, better mood, more energy, and so on, are all results of regular physical activity. 

6- Say a little prayer

When overwhelmed by life's demands and things that feel heavy or insurmountable, remember that you are never without support. Give it all to God and allow His peace that surpasses all understanding, as well as His infinite power, to flow into your life.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7 

When used well, self-care can be disruptive. On top of health and happiness, it can also give you clarity and help you make better decisions.

If you are a mother or another kind of caregiver, please take self-care even more seriously, even though in this instance, the practice of self-care can be accompanied with guilt. Remember what they say during the safety measures presentation on the plane: In case of accidents, when the masks drop, put your mask first before helping someone else. 

You cannot operate at your best or help anyone if you are struggling. Take care.