Why Self-Care
Last week we learned a little bit about what self care is and why it is important to me. (Check out that blog post if you missed it) This week, we will learn a little about why self care should be important to you.
So.. why self care? To put it simply: In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the significance of self care cannot be overstated. It has a profound impact on personal well-being, emphasizing its role in fostering resilience, reducing stress, and unlocking the door to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Why Should Self Care Matter To You
The answer to why is pretty easy… because mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being and It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. It seems that something as important as self care would be made a priority in our lives, but so often self care is the first thing to go when time constraints exist or in times of stress.
Benefits of Self Care
So much of life revolves around being productive, but sometimes we need to take time to reset to improve our productivity. According to Sourthern New Hampshire University “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more. From a physical health perspective, self-care has been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in tune with our higher power as well as realize our meaning in life.” See the full article from them here.
Specific Self Care Benefits
Self Care is important and has so many benefits:
Physical and Emotional Health:
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Holistic Wellness:
- Self-care contributes to holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health.
- Prioritizing self-care activities, such as regular exercise and emotional expression, promotes a healthier lifestyle.
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Stress Reduction:
- Engaging in self-care rituals helps manage stress levels and prevents burnout.
- Taking time for oneself fosters emotional resilience, enhancing the ability to navigate life's challenges.
Improved Relationships:
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Enhanced Connection:
- When individuals prioritize self-care, they are better equipped to connect with others authentically.
- Healthy self-esteem and self-awareness positively influence interpersonal relationships.
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Setting Boundaries:
- Self-care empowers individuals to set and maintain boundaries in relationships.
- Clear boundaries contribute to healthier, more fulfilling connections with others.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment:
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Self-Discovery:
- Engaging in self-care activities provides opportunities for self-reflection and discovery.
- Knowing oneself deeply is a foundation for personal growth and fulfillment.
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Life Satisfaction:
- Regular self-care contributes to an increased sense of life satisfaction and happiness.
- By investing time and energy in personal well-being, individuals can lead more purposeful and rewarding lives.
It would seem that the benefits of self care far outweigh the barriers we put in place. If only it was as simple as being determined to participate, but often times we struggle to engage in self care because we don’t know how to do self care. But I have the answer: Gamer’s Path! We will get into this more over the coming weeks with my love of self care and the many ways that our games can be a part of self care.