Our times require us to live at higher speeds, we live faster, we do more and in less time than our ancestors. In a hurry, we run to work, we perform official duties, we finish projects, we do shopping in order to finally return home. That’s why the idea of “self-care” has become increasingly important.

Self-care might be understood as taking care of oneself both physically and mentally by performing activities which provide pleasure and satisfaction. The basic challenge that everyone should take is to find time to analyze their own needs.

Interpreting what are the above mentioned needs is a highly individual issue resulting from the predisposition and passion of each person. Let’s focus first on the sphere of physical self-care. Physical self-care might include both literally taking care of your figure through training or playing sports. It also includes taking care of your appearance by going to the beauty salon, buying a new hair shampoo, changing your hairstyle or buying new clothes. Sometimes it’s also worth taking care of your own body from the inside through healthy eating or buying a favorite treat on the way home from work. This is of great importance for the well-being we have on a daily basis.

Furthermore, self-care refers to the mental sphere that needs to be taken care of, especially when a person is exposed to stressful conditions. You can take care of this sphere by reading books about personal development, meeting with friends or even by watching a favorite movie with a cup of hot tea while sitting under a blanket.

World Self-Care Day was created in the International Self-Care Foundation in 2011 to raise public awareness about this topic. As part of the annual celebration of this holiday, it is worth sitting down and analyzing your own life. „Do I have time in it for rest and regeneration?” „When was the last time I did something for myself? When was the last time I did something that gave me joy?” – If we can not answer these questions, it is a clear sign that we should make significant changes.

It is commonly known that it is difficult to change everything at once, especially if the changes drastically differ from previous habits. Therefore, it is worth starting with small, but valuable habits. The first one is proper hydration, especially important in the summer heat. Water is an essential element, necessary for the proper functioning of our cells in the body. Its deficit can lower our metabolism, cause the weakening of the body and even result in serious health problems. Buying a reusable bottle is a great solution that will make it easier to maintain a new habit. Another change is proper nutrition, popular among coffee workers, will not replace and will not give as much energy as a full-fledged meal. Therefore, it is important to eat unprocessed products, to diversify your diet and eat at least one hot meal a day to not only feel better but to provide the body with the necessary substances for proper functioning at high speeds. Another thing which is important is to regulate sleep hours. Effective sleep allows you to regenerate your body and mind in the shortest possible time, preparing them for another day full of challenges.

What are the other benefits of the idea of self-care?

• Improvement of emotional state – it happens that excessive stress causes people to be depressed or excited. Making small pleasures or taking care of their well-being will improve the overall emotional state and better cope in difficult times;
• More Productivity – Taking care of yourself allows you to recharge your battery which leads to increased productivity, improved concentration and better problem-solving skills. When you prioritize your well-being, you have more energy and clarity of mind to tackle everyday tasks.
• Increase self-confidence and self-worth – By prioritizing your needs and engaging in activities that make you feel good, you send a message to yourself that you deserve care and attention.

It is said that the New Year is a time to decide on changes to take place in your life but the truth is that you do not need a special opportunity to improve your life. The idea of self-care contains many different aspects, each of which will undoubtedly find something for you.