Mary, a 25-year-old receptionist often times found herself feeling very burnt out due to work. Each time she came back from work, she would be extremely exhausted and worn out. These feelings were due to her being assigned tasks beyond her job description in the office. Due to the burden of her job, she oftentimes found herself falling sick and frequently experiencing body pains. She also felt very moody, irritable and demotivated. The quality of her work also began to be affected.
In order to navigate how she was feeling, she spoke to a therapist via the Employee assistance program (EAP) service providers who worked in partnership with the organisation she worked for. The therapist taught her about the importance of self-care and gave her suggestions for self-care activities she could engage in frequently. The therapist emphasized on the importance of setting boundaries and being assertive in the workplace and taught her polite ways to decline tasks outside her job description and speak up when she felt overburdened.
The therapist also taught her techniques to help her get quality sleep, encouraged her to frequently engage in activities that make her feel relaxed, taught her mindfulness techniques which she can practice whenever she feels tense, overwhelmed or anxious, suggested that she improve her diet and eats more fruits and vegetables as well as perform activities she finds pleasurable like engaging in hobbies, hanging out with friends and so on.
Mary began to do as directed and she found herself feeling less stressed and burnt out. She began to feel more energised and vibrant. The quality of her work also improved, and she became more focused and less burdened and overwhelmed.
Regular self-care is crucial to preserving and improving physical health. Taking care of ourselves too little can result in physical tiredness, tension, and a deterioration in general health in our fast-paced society when work, responsibilities, and the needs of others are frequently given priority. Self-care practices, when followed, not only revitalize the body but also make a major contribution to a healthier way of living.
The following are some significant factors emphasizing the significance of self-care practices for physical well-being:
1. Stress Reduction: Long-term stress can negatively impact physical health, increasing the risk of ailments like cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems. Self-care practices like yoga, deep breathing techniques, and meditation assist in lowering stress hormones like cortisol, promoting relaxation, and enhancing general health.
2. Better Sleep Quality: The body needs enough sleep to regenerate and heal itself. Better sleep quality is supported by establishing a nightly routine as part of self-care, which includes winding down activities, avoiding devices, and setting up a pleasant sleeping environment. Because it strengthens the immune system and improves cognitive abilities, getting enough sleep has a major positive impact on physical health.
3. Healthy Nutrition: Eating with awareness and keeping a balanced diet are important aspects of self-care. Eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants gives the body the critical nutrition it needs to perform at its best. Eating a well-planned diet, drinking plenty of water, and limiting processed food consumption are all important for general physical health.
4. Frequent Exercise: Including exercise in a self-care regimen is essential for maintaining physical health. Exercise generates endorphins, which uplift mood and relieve stress, in addition to strengthening muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving cardiovascular health. To maintain consistency in your exercise routine, it’s critical to find hobbies you enjoy, whether it’s dance, yoga, swimming, or running.
5. Prevention of exhaustion and Burnout: Taking care of oneself can help avoid chronic exhaustion and burnout, which can be brought on by pushing oneself too hard and ignoring one’s own needs. By prioritizing self-care activities, establishing limits, and taking breaks, one can enhance their productivity and lower their chances of physical problems linked to high levels of stress.
In conclusion, making self-care routines a priority is essential for physical health. By managing stress, getting enough sleep, maintaining a good diet, exercising frequently, and engaging in mindful practices, taking care of oneself not only enhances one’s physical health but also elevates one’s quality of life. These routines help people live healthier, more robust bodies that allow them to face life’s obstacles with a renewed sense of energy and vitality.
