Original Content from Nurin Ismail Thread SG
As indulgent and selfish the term self-care may sound, it could just be a few practices or habits that are as crucial to your daily functioning as eating or drinking.
A lot of us were brought up to think that we should be on the grind 24/7, and to grasp every opportunity there is to be productive. This is how workaholics are born. While it may seem time-saving, this counter-productive mindset will be detrimental to your well-being in the long run.
What Self-Care Really Is
We all have our times when each week that goes by just feels like it’s growing longer and longer, and you are in dire need of a respite. But friends are asking you to go out for a shopping date on the weekend, and you’ve got a lecturer on your back trying to get you to join a competition or take part in a project but you just aren’t feeling it.
Self-care is about so much more than taking yourself out to a fancy restaurant or splurging on the hottest new makeup product you’ve been eyeing. Sometimes, it means doing things that others don’t necessarily agree with, like most importantly — knowing when to say ‘no’.
How to Politely Decline
Saying that it’s too much social interaction or too much work for you sometimes doesn’t get across well to the other party.
Let’s pretend a close friend has just asked you out and you aren’t feeling it, but you don’t know how to respond without sounding like a horrible friend. Things may get shaky in your friendship, so it is important to explain yourself well.
Not to fret if this isn’t your forte, here is a tip: give them The Sandwich.
This format works well especially for e-mails and text — here’s a response template you can use:
Hi ____ (name),
Top bun: Thanks for thinking of me for ____ (event or whatever the person has asked for you to do). That’s really nice of you.
The meat: I’m sorry. I’ve got a lot of other commitments to focus on, and it isn’t really the best time for this (state the exact issue).
Bottom bun: I’d be glad to ____ in the future if you’re still up for it (I can’t help this time, but I’ll be able to be of assistance in the future)!
Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity
Neglecting our own needs is so easy in this fast-paced world we live in that even going out on a weekend with your family for lunch may feel like slacking, when in fact, these small pockets of breaks are totally healthy for you!
Self-care reduces the negative effects of stress, prevents a burnout, and helps you refocus. Make sure to schedule breaks in your regular day so you have time to take a much-needed breather.
Make a realistic list
Self-care means different things to different people, but here is a general checklist we can all agree upon:
1. Keeping hydrated. All bodily organs rely on water to function, so drinking enough water every day can help with improving concentration and cognition, if you’re feeling sluggish and it can even reduce stress.
2. Unplug from technology for a while. Addiction reduces productivity.
3. Go outdoors. Cycle or take a walk around your neighbourhood. Research has shown a list of mental health benefits associated with spending time with nature.
4. Keep a journal. It’s cathartic to release your emotions into a tangible, concrete form.
5. Sleep enough. Teenagers need about 8–10 hours of sleep daily and adults, at least 7–9 hours.
6. Making time for your loved ones even when you’re busy.
7. Say ‘no’. Don’t go out if you don’t want to, even if you’ve told the person you’d be there. If you’re exhausted, listen to your body. Sometimes you just need to stay at home and recharge by reading or vegging out in bed watching Netflix. It is okay to do so!
8. Stop doing things you don’t want to do to focus on what you really want to do.
9. Exercise. This is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. It doesn’t have to be every day, but regular jogs around the neighbourhood or morning swims can help.
10. Eat healthily. (Even if it’s not really fun.) It will keep your body healthy in the long-term.
11. Cut out toxic people from your life, especially those who couldn’t care less about your well-being.
12. Push yourself to get out there and socialise if you know that’s what you really need.
13. Get a calendar or a planner if you don’t already have one. Life will seem more orderly once you know when you have to do what and where.
Make your own 21-day challenge
Whatever self-care means to you, it is not to be confused with selfishness. It is widely believed that you can make or break a habit when constantly practicing a routine for 21 days, so try to adopt one or two new practices from your list for the same period of time. Three weeks won’t magically fix all your problems, but it’s a good start to take better care of yourself. Because if you don’t, who will?
Remember: how you treat yourself is how you are inviting the world to treat you.