Why self-care is important
In today’s hectic world, it is easy to neglect your own needs in favour of family, work, and social obligations. However, consistently prioritising others can lead to stress, burnout, and a decrease in your overall wellbeing and mental health.
Self-care is taking the time to prioritise your mental health and emotional wellbeing. It involves engaging in activities that help you to relax, recharge, and refocus. While often overlooked, self-care can help you navigate life’s challenges and maintain a healthy balance.
Regular self-care can help you to:
- Reduce stress: Engaging in relaxing activities can help lower stress levels.
- Improve mood: Activities that bring joy and pleasure can boost your mood and outlook.
- Enhance sleep: Consistent self-care routines can contribute to better quality sleep.
- Increase focus: Taking breaks to recharge can improve concentration and productivity.
- Strengthen relationships: By caring for yourself, you are better equipped to nurture your relationships with others.
Overcoming self-care challenges
Incorporating self-care into your weekly routine may feel daunting. Here are some common hurdles and tips to overcome them:
- Lack of time: Even short breaks can make a difference. Try scheduling self-care activities in your calendar, just as you would important appointments.
- Feeling guilty: Remind yourself that prioritising your wellbeing is not selfish but necessary.
- Lack of motivation: Start small with activities you enjoy and gradually increase the time you dedicate to self-care.
- Uncertainty about what to do: Explore different self-care options and find activities that resonate with you. Keep reading for some self-care ideas.
Self-care ideas
Head outdoors
Spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and improve mood. Sitting outside in your garden, wandering around your neighbourhood, or watching the stars in the sky at night can help you relax and gain a fresh perspective. Need some inspiration and want to head further afield? Visit these websites to get some ideas.
Exercise and physical activity
Finding time to exercise or move your body can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase self-esteem. Here are some activities to get you started.
- Walk or run: Head out at lunchtime, get off public transport one stop early, check out the local park near you, or run the Tan. Feeling more social? Join a walking or running club.
- Cycle: You can cycle to work or ride around one of Victoria’s cycling tracks. The City of Melbourne, for example, has over 135km of cycling routes.
- Swim: Your local community centre may have a swimming pool, or you can take a dip in the largest pool in the CBD.
- Fitness classes: Your local recreation centre may offer a range of classes from circuit training to Pilates to tai chi.
Connecting with people
Spending time with people can provide support, reduce feelings of isolation, and create a sense of belonging. Sharing experiences and laughter can be incredibly uplifting.
- Spend quality time with loved ones: Prioritise relationships with family and friends.
- Make plans: Invite a friend for a cup of coffee or make plans to see a local show.
- Join social groups or clubs: Connect with people who share your interests.
- Volunteer: Giving back to your community can be rewarding and fulfilling.
- Online communities: Participate in online forums or social media groups to connect with others.
More ideas for self-care
- Hobbies: Dedicate time to hobbies you enjoy, whether it’s painting, gardening, or playing an instrument.
- Books, movies, podcasts, and music: Choose uplifting and inspiring topics and content. And remember to limit your screen time, as too much can impact your wellbeing.
- Puzzles and games: Challenging your brain with puzzles or games can help improve your focus and mood.
- Learn a new skill: Learn something new that interests you like woodworking, coding, or playing an instrument.
- Cooking or baking: Unleash your creativity in the kitchen and experiment with new recipes.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Practise being present in the moment to reduce stress, bring feelings of calm, and stop dwelling on the past.
- Journaling: Expressing your thoughts and feelings through writing can provide emotional relief and clarity.
- Sleep: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
- Create a self-care plan: Life in Mind and Black Dog Institute have tips and templates for creating a self-care plan.
Self-care is a personalised journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different activities to discover what you enjoy.
By making self-care a priority, you are investing in your long-term mental health and wellbeing. Small steps can make a big difference.
If you are struggling and need to reach out to a mental health professional, our CAREinMIND counsellors are here to help 24/7. Call 1300 096 269 or click the floating chat button on the right. The service is free for people in north, western and central Melbourne.
The CAREinMIND blog is delivered by Lifeline. The views in each post do not necessarily reflect those of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.