If you prioritize yourself, you are going to save yourself – the importance of self care.
The importance of self-care cannot be overlooked. Life is busy, we are busy. It’s the human condition. Sadly, as technology has advanced, what was made to make our lives easier, has left us more overwhelmed than ever. Let’s look at that why the tools designed to simplify our lives have, in many respects, left us more tired than ever before.
At first glance, the appeal of technology is undeniable. With just a few taps and swipes, we have all the services and information we want at our fingertips. We can talk to who we want, whenever we want. Jobs that once took hours now are now automated, promising freedom and productivity. And yet, beneath this layer of efficiency lies irony: the more technology comes into our lives, the more trapped we find ourselves.
Is it the choice? When you have SO many options available to you it’s not easy to decide. Do you want to eat pasta or pizza? It’s a quick answer. But when you log onto an app to order food and are faced with twenty cuisines from fifty restaurants, that choice becomes a job in itself.
In the pursuit of efficiency, we have, in many ways made our lives harder. We need to simplify. As people, especially when we are parents or business owners we preach about multitasking. We believe we can juggle numerous tasks with effortless dexterity. Yet, cognitive science unveils the truth: multitasking is a myth. What you are actually doing is task switching which is very stressful. It fractures your attention and reduces your capacity for focus and engagement. Now throw a mobile phone into the mix with its incessant notifications and alerts.
Enter the iPhone and Android.
Smartphones blur the boundaries between work and leisure, intruding on downtime and rest. With emails infiltrating evenings and weekends, essentially tethering us to the office, the boundary between work and personal life dissolves, leaving us in a perpetual state of hyperconnectivity. The relentless pressure to remain constantly available has a toll on mental and emotional well-being – and that’s before we even start to think about social media.
Whilst the likes of Instagram and Facebook offer opportunities for communication and community, it weighs heavy. In the pursuit of being more social, it’s made us less so. How often do you sit in a room full of friends, or at a dinner table, and the conversation is stalled by someone’s phone or a text?
Let’s be real. Social media has curated profiles and filtered narratives. People present themselves how they want to be seen which creates a distorted reflection of reality. Due to this, we unwittingly subject ourselves to a relentless barrage of comparison and self-doubt. The need for likes and shares from online friends becomes a hunger, which fuels a cycle of anxiety and insecurity.
So how can you protect yourself?
Limit social media consumption and limit screen time: Use discernment and don’t mindlessly scroll. Be aware of how certain content affects your mood and energy and be willing to unfollow accounts that make you feel bad or mean you compare yourself. If possible, designate specific time periods for engaging with social media, and prioritize offline activities.
Practice Gratitude: Counteract thoughts of comparison by practicing gratitude. Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life, shifting your focus from what you lack to what you have. Gratitude can be an antidote to envy.
Cultivate Authentic Connections: With social media, building genuine connections can be difficult. Try to cultivate meaningful relationships offline, investing time and energy in nurturing authentic connections with friends, family, and community.
Why self care is so important.
As humans we are complex. We need our mind, body, and soul to be cared for for us to have robust mental health. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows us that self-actualization, which is the pinnacle of human fulfilment, is only reached when our foundational needs are met. Neglecting self-care disrupts this and restricts us from being the best version of ourselves.
Now, let’s consider burnout, which is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic stress. The demands of modern life can easily push us close to this precipice. But, when we practice self-care, we protect ourselves against burnout, growing resilient and refilling our emotional reserves.
As a mother of three, one of whom has additional needs, I know myself how challenging balancing parental duties with personal well-being can be. Although parenthood is rewarding, it is also a difficult journey. I’ve come to realize that caring for yourself isn’t taking away from time you could give to your child, instead it gives them a parent that’s more relaxed. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline. By attending to our own needs, we have more capacity. It makes you more compassionate.
Practical strategies
Mindful Movement: Take part in regular exercise that aligns with your interests and abilities. Whether it’s yoga, running, or dancing, physical activity not only enhances your physical health but also uplifts your mood and reduces stress.
Nutrition: Fuel your body with healthy foods that energize and sustain you. Prioritize a balanced diet and minimizing processed foods and sugary snacks.
Time for you: Carve out moments of time for you. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply quiet cup of tea, make sure you have time for you.
Boundaries and Balance: Establish firm boundaries to protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Learn to say no and unless you must do something (I.e. errands and life admin) prioritize activities that bring you joy.
Community Connection: Spend time with family and friends. Make sure it’s authentic by sharing both your struggles and triumphs openly. Remember, vulnerability is the gateway to authentic connection.
In the words of Audre Lorde, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.” Indeed, by recognising the importance of self care, we reclaim our lives and feel empowered.