THUNAISelf care means making the time to take care of yourself on a daily basis . It means remembering to put the oxygen mask on yourself before putting it on others.This expression comes from the airline safety brochure where the advice to parents with infants is to put the oxygen mask on yourself before you assist your baby or others.
This applies to us , especially women . We’re so busy doing things for others that we forget our needs . Self care teaches us to respect our body, mind and soul and in return we are blessed with a more serene mind.
Self care begins with recognising that if you don’t look after yourself, you not only hurt yourself but others. Without self care it’s much easier to get angry or depressed.
What we know is that : when we neglect our needs , we take out our frustrations on others.
On the other hand , When we take care of ourselves, daily miracles happen . We get more energy to get through the day . We become well mentally , physically and emotionally . Things that seem impossible become possible . Miracles happen . The world outlook becomes less gloomy because we are feeling better within us . ‘It’s not what happens to us but how we respond that matters.
So here are some ideas on what you can do every day to get to this place of wellness.
Note: You can begin with just ONE of these ideas. Don’t try them all in one go or you might give up as that’s too hard . Take baby steps. Do things on alternate days .That might reduce boredom.
REMEMBER: The aim is to take 5 minutes a day out for yourself with a routine practice. If you can manage more that’s excellent. But 5 minutes is best to start with . It’s enough for you to develop and stick to something that is achievable.
It can be done first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening ..or even at lunch time.
1. Begin the day or end the day with 5 minutes of breathing or stretching exercises . Yoga , tai chi or gentle stretching is extremely beneficial.
2. As you have a cup of tea , use a diary to write down feelings . Just write non-stop for a few minutes . Keeping a diary is known to be therapeutic.
3. Every day make a list of 5 - 10 things you’re grateful for today . These can include small things like “ I’m grateful that the water is running today or I’m grateful I heard a bird singing’ or ‘I’m grateful I spoke to my friend today”. It has been proven that gratitude reduces anxiety and depression . Counting our blessings helps us feel better.
4. Listen to music , or sing , or dance or paint . Or write . All these release creative energy and ‘happy hormones’ which helps us feel better .
5. Read inspirational quotes .
6. Pray
7. Meditate
8. Exercise . Skip or run on the spot for a few minutes a day .
9. Hug a pet and of course family members.
10. Notice a tree or a plant and offer your blessings to the things Mother Nature provides , including sun rises and sunsets . These things are there even in the cities !
Some more ideas that help too:
1. Spend less time on social media.
2. Chat with a friend or a group of friends using zoom Whats App or google meet . At least once a week .
3. Go for a walk alone or with a friend when not in lock-down .