Self-Care…..Why It’s Important!
Article written by Autumn Wagoner, THINK Educator
I’m sure a lot of you have heard of the term “self-care” before, but what exactly is self-care and why is it so important? Self-care is doing healthy things you enjoy that take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Self-care is something that should be done often and on a regular basis, not just when you’re feeling sad, angry, frustrated, stressed, anxious, etc. As teenagers, you may have a busy life with school, extra-curricular activities, family, friends, and possibly even a job. Oftentimes people place self-care as a low priority, but the reality is this needs to be a high priority in everyone’s life.
Self-care should not be neglected as it is crucial in creating and maintaining good physical, mental, and emotional health. Without self-care we can experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Experiencing these intense emotions for a long period of time can lead to health problems down the road, including (add “clinical”? since anxiety was already previously listed) anxiety, depression, troubles with sleep, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.
What Are the Benefits of Self-Care?
Self-Esteem and Confidence: By reminding yourself that you deserve time to care for yourself (which you do deserve) the act of self-care can significantly improve your self-esteem. Self-care can also increase your confidence when you have a good self-esteem.
Self-Awareness: When we engage in activities we enjoy doing, it can open up opportunities for us to try new things that maybe we wouldn’t have tried before. It can also lead us into finding new things we are passionate about as well as discovering new goals.
Self-Improvement: Self-care helps us to relax and rest, which improves our overall health (physical, mental and emotional). This can also help us form healthy relationships; whether it’s with family, friends, or even a romantic relationship.
Help Nurture Others: When we have an overall improvement in self-esteem, self-awareness, and self-improvement, we are able to care and show compassion for our loved ones. Without self-care, we may not have been able to do this as well when previously dealing with low self-esteem and lacking self-awareness.
Self-care doesn’t work or do anything for me.
Self-care actually does work and can be very helpful for young people to ensure they are taking care of themselves. Maybe you tried taking a peaceful walk and it wasn’t helpful, and that’s ok! When it comes to figuring what you can do for self-care, it is different for everyone. Just because some friends find something helpful doesn’t mean it will be helpful for you! Also, you may have to try an idea a few times to see if it is helpful for you. The key in self-care is to be willing in trying different things numerous times and discover what you think works best for you!
So What Can I Do for Self-Care?
Below is a list of ideas to try for self-care. Remember, these are just ideas and may not necessarily work for you or help you feel better. The important thing is that you don’t give up on practicing self-care and continue to try new ideas until you find they are helpful. It is also important to remember that just because you try a self-care idea one time and you didn’t feel better, doesn’t mean that practicing self-care will never make you feel better. Sometimes it can take time to try an idea a few times before we notice it helping us! Happy Self-Caring!!!
Play board games
Trim your nails or give yourself a manicure/pedicure
Practice deep breathing exercises (you can find these online)
Make a list of things you like about you
Look at family photo albums
Plant some flowers or a small garden
Give yourself an at-home spa day (use a body scrub, sheet face mask, deep condition your hair)
Make a list of things you’re good at
Go for a swim
Make a funny video
Write a love letter to yourself
Get a haircut
Visit a museum
Make a list of your accomplishments
Learn a new language
Learn to play an instrument
Daydream
Dance to your favorite songs
Do yoga (you can find free yoga classes on YouTube)
Go stargazing
Make a scrapbook
Go to the library
Do a puzzle
Watch funny cat videos (or dog videos!)
Write a letter to your future self
Play with your pet
Try a new activity
Read a comic
Cook with a friend or family member
Write in a journal to release your thoughts
Go outside and watch the birds and other animals
Sing your favorite songs
Start an art journal
Meditate or pray
Make a playlist of your favorite songs
Make a playlist of funny movies
Eat your favorite dessert
Practice progressive muscle relaxation (you can find this online)
Read a book
Make jewelry
Unplug (from your phone!) and spend time in nature
Stretch your muscles
Write a poem/short story
Read an inspirational book
Google information about a different culture
Talk to a loved one on the phone
Ride your bike
Watch your favorite movie
Play a video game
Have a mini declutter session and re-organize your room, book bag, etc.
Donate any of your belongings you no longer need or want
Have a good laugh
Go for a jog
Go for a walk
Read inspiring quotes
Write a song
Go fishing
Draw or color Zentangles
Walk barefoot in the grass
Snuggle under a cozy blanket
Do an art or craft activity
Exercise
Take a nap
Play with a sibling
Volunteer in your community
Take photos of nature
Draw or paint a picture
Have a game/pizza night with your friends
Take a shower
Listen to running water
Create loving positive affirmations about yourself and repeat them daily
Turn up the music and dance
Work outside in nature
Play card games
Sing like no one is listening
Listen to music or relaxing sounds such as nature or thunderstorms
Plan an outing with friends
Go to the mall
Make a bucket list
Make a list of people you look up to and why
Draw or color Mandalas
Go for a hike
Write in a gratitude journal or write 10 things you are grateful for
Go outside and watch the clouds
Go the park with a friend
Invite a friend to your house
Just be silly!