So what’s the big deal about self-care?
Everyone’s talking about it and you’re starting to feel like it’s overrated but what if I told you that self-care is more than just scented candles and relaxing spa days.
It’s about taking care of you, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially.
It’s about taking care of the one life, one body, one soul and one mind that you have.
It’s about preventing hospital visits, psychotic breakdowns, painful emotional cycles and debt.
It’s about living a long, healthy and happy life to the best of your ability!
So today I just want to share 10 self-care tips that I’ve learnt over the years that we should all try to incorporate into our 2020:
1. Live in your purpose!
I believe that each and every one of us has a God given purpose. We should seek to find it and live it out to the best of our ability. Bloom where you are planted and live your life with meaning.
2. Do what you love
What makes you happy? What gives you joy and sets your soul on fire? Do at least one thing every day that you love to do. And always find a way to spend time with the ones that you love.
3. Be true to yourself
Don’t fake it till you make it, be authentic until you make it! If ever you feel like you are losing yourself, take a step back and consider what has changed and make conscious, healthy steps to find your true self. Check out my previous blog post.
4. Write out your dreams and visions
Create a vision board for 2020 and work towards your goals. Use a planner to help you get more organized and better manage your time. Don’t give up on your dreams!
5. Eat healthier, smaller portions
I want to encourage you to eat more plant based foods and to reduce the amount of carbs and sugars you consume daily. Also, eat more lean meat (chicken and fish) and try to limit red meats (even though they taste so delicious). These are full of fat and are linked to an increased risk for certain cancers.
6. Exercise and get active
This is the hardest one for me but it’s so important for us to get our bodies moving in order to prevent illnesses and increase our energy levels. Try to exercise at least 1 hr 3 times per week or 30 minutes 5 times per week. Try fun activities like dancing or swimming or cycling.
7. Make time to rest and relax
The body and mind inherently need to rest but so many of us push ourselves too hard. Make time each day to unwind and relax. Also, more importantly, try your best to get enough sleep (7-8 hrs) each night. N.B. I know this can be very difficult for some professions who are on call sometimes but let’s try our best to catch up on sleep whenever we can.
8. Seek financial advice
Whether you’re just starting out in the working field or transitioning to another job or in a stable occupation, it’s always a good idea to be saving and investing. A financial adviser can help you find what insurance or saving plan is best for you.
9. Seek professional help (e.g.psychologist) if needed
Although I believe in journaling and talking to trusted persons, I also don’t want you to wait for your situations to get unbearable that you can’t function properly. We can write things out, think them through, pray through them and seek council from others but if you feel like you’re becoming too anxious or depressed or obsessive or compulsive, get help! Do what’s best for your mental health.
10. Work on becoming your best self!
Read more books, watch more educational content, and attend more conferences! Find ways to improve yourself in all areas of your life. How do you envision yourself in 5 years? Work towards becoming that person.
I hope and pray that these will help you to improve your all round health. I hope that we strive to be our best selves this year. I believe in you and I believe in me!
With lots of love,
Yours truly,
Dr. Esther J Trotman (M.B.B.S)
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