Essential Self-Care Activities: Expert Shares Ways To Boost Your Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-Being

We often get caught up in busy lives and forget to take care of ourselves. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, finding the time to prioritise our own well-being can feel impossible. Yet, caring for our physical, mental, and emotional health is crucial for leading a balanced, fulfilling life. Self-care isn’t about indulgence; it’s about nurturing yourself so you can thrive. We spoke to our expert Dr Saida Rasulova, Head Doctor, Chenot Palace Gabala, Health and Wellness Centre, Azerbaijan, who explained the importance of self-care and activities to promote physical, mental, and emotional health.

Self-care can be a complex of special techniques that support and/or improve general health. It involves conscious participation in activities that promote healthy functioning and enhance a person’s well-being and quality of life. It helps reduce stress, boost self-confidence, and improve self-happiness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is the capacity of individuals and communities to promote health, prevent illness, and manage health conditions with or without support from healthcare professionals.

Importance Of Self-Care In Today’s Fast-Paced World

The relentless pace of modern life often leaves little time for self-care. Between work, family, and social commitments, prioritising personal well-being can feel like a luxury. However, neglecting our mental and physical health can have significant consequences.

“Self-care is the practice of taking deliberate actions to care for our physical, mental, and emotional health. It looks different for everyone and can include things like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, or engaging in creative hobbies,” highlighted Dr Rasulova.

Stress Reduction

One of the major advantages of self-care is its ability to reduce stress. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to various health issues, such as weight gain, weakened immune function, and even heart disease. Engaging in self-care practices can lower stress levels and help mitigate these negative health impacts.

Also Read: Heart Patients Should Follow These 7 Important Self Care Tips Post Surgery

Improved Mental Health

“Another benefit of self-care is improved mental health. Looking after our mental health can help prevent conditions, such as depression and anxiety. It can also improve our ability to cope with stress and challenges,” added Dr Rasulova. We can build resilience and improve our overall mental health by incorporating self-care practices into our daily routines.

Improved Relationships

Self-care can also improve our relationships with others. When we take care of ourselves, we are better able to show up for the people in our lives. We gain more energy, patience, and compassion, which can foster stronger and more rewarding relationships with those we care about.

Self Care For Physical Health

Self-care includes activities that make a person feel physically healthy and help maintain their physical health. Examples of this include:

• Getting enough sleep, at least 7 hours of night sleep
• Eating healthy food, food rich in omega 3 fatty acids, greens, vegetables and fruits
• Participating in regular work-outs and/or walking approximately 10000 steps per day
• Drinking plenty of water approximately 1.5-2 litres daily
• Taking a relaxing bath

Self Care For Mental Health

“Self-care for mental health includes all the practices a person uses to maintain a healthy relationship with their mind. These include activities that keep the mind focused and engaged, like brain-stimulating activities,” said Dr Rasulova.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), self-care can have several benefits to a person’s mental health. These include- lowering the risk of illnesses, boosting energy levels, and reducing stress. Examples of mental self-care activities include:

• Getting regular exercise
• Reading books
• Learning a new hobby or skill
• Listening to a podcast
• Doing a digital detox
• Practicing mindfulness

Self Care For Emotional Health

Self-care for emotional health is based on a person’s need to learn how to acknowledge and regulate emotions as they arise and process them. Dr Rasulova added, “Emotional self-care can help individuals navigate their feelings, increase empathy, and learn coping mechanisms to deal with difficult emotions.” Some examples of emotional self-care are:

• Journaling
• Meditating and yoga
• Practicing self-compassion and gratitude
• Listening to music
• Knowing and enforcing one’s boundaries

Bottomline

Dr Rasulova concluded, “Self-care is an essential part of maintaining overall well-being. Prioritising self-care enhances overall well-being. By tending to our physical, mental, and emotional needs, we can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen relationships. In a world that is constantly moving, it is more important than ever to slow down and take care of ourselves.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]