Why Should You Care About Self-Care?

Definition of self-care

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as a range of practices that individuals carry out for themselves to prevent illness and maintain health. In other words, self-care is not just a choice; it is essential for living a healthy and fulfilling life.

Importance of self-care

Self-care is crucial for maintaining a balanced and meaningful life. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you transmit positive energy and good spirits to the people around you. You might ask: Is focusing on oneself an egoistic behavior? The answer is simple: No. Think of it this way: if you cannot take good care of yourself, how can you take care of others, especially your loved ones?

Benefits of self-care

Improving physical health
Your body and mind are deeply connected. When you exercise regularly, serotonin levels increase—the neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood, energy, and happiness.

Reducing stress, anxiety, and overthinking
Self-care can help you view yourself more positively. It is natural to overthink or feel anxious sometimes, but practices such as meditation, listening to music, or taking a warm bath can release negative energy from your body.

Building healthy relationships
When you care for yourself, you become more understanding, loving, and authentic. This positive energy extends to your family, friends, and community. Imagine the impact if everyone practiced self-care!

Tips for practicing self-care

Get enough sleep
Many people suffer from chronic sleep deprivation; working too much and sleeping too little. Lack of sleep leaves you exhausted and may lead to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or even heart disease. It can also affect your appearance, causing dark circles, redness in the eyes, and pale skin. Aim for 6–8 hours of sleep each night. Short daytime naps (15–30 minutes) can also refresh your body and sharpen concentration.

Eat healthy food
Food is essential for survival, but not all foods are healthy. Junk food, for instance, can damage your health. Next time you’re in the supermarket, try replacing snacks with fruits and vegetables. You can also find plenty of helpful videos online about cooking and eating healthily.

Stay away from toxic people
Toxic people can harm your well-being. Avoid being affected by their negative energy; step away from conversations or gatherings that frustrate or drain you. If possible, cut ties with people who constantly bring negativity. Surround yourself with positive and motivated individuals, since positivity and happiness are contagious.

Change your mindset
When you don’t reach your goals or face setbacks, it’s easy to feel discouraged and doubt your abilities. At such times, you may overlook your past achievements and focus only on the negatives. Don’t let yourself fall into this trap. Approach challenges rationally: reflect on what went wrong and how to improve, rather than blaming yourself. Focus on solving the problem, not criticizing the person.

“Remember, loving and taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your physical and mental health are your priorities.” Wadi