Self-care and why it isn't selfish, I'd go so far as to say, it is a necessary function to flourish

Self-care is a necessary human regulatory function, its what individuals to for themselves in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, well-being or wellness.

Many people can find this a little difficult at times, Mum’s who’s focus is on dependent youngsters, those who regularly care for others and many others.

It’s important for us to refill our cups – that saying – ‘you can’t pour from an empty glass’. It’s also the reason airlines tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting others.

Self-care also enables you to create a life that you are not regularly trying to escape from – sound familiar?

Then read on

The more obvious ways of self-care are eating healthily, exercising, spending time outdoors, creating great sleep hygiene so that you get enough good quality sleep and connecting with others.

Some less obvious ones are making sure that your needs are being met as much as you are meeting the needs of others, finding that sense of balance. Reducing stress where possible. Finding time to ‘switch off’, creating ‘me time’. Doing things that you love to do - often

Now for the great tips that will make a significant difference that you may not have thought of before:

Acts of random kindness – smile at someone just because you can or give someone a compliment.

Acts of kindness to yourself – putting yourself first, these don’t have to be time consuming, promising yourself a quiet cuppa in the garden on a sunny morning and delaying that task for someone else for 5 minutes that has little or no consequence if you do – the washing (clothes/car etc) can wait a few minutes, it won’t mind. Recognising that you need time out and planning it in your day.

Self-love – spending a few moments recalling or writing down things that you have done that day that you are proud or pleased with yourself for. Writing down 5 things that you love about yourself – yes, I said love!

As with all new skills, they take a bit of practice before they become habit and as a result you will feel much better about yourself and life in general, you’ll see the can do instead of the can’t do and you will be more able to be there for others when and if needed.

Self-care is probably the most selfless thing that you can do, that way you have what you need to be able to care for others.