Self-Care: What’s it all about…
by Christina O’Sullivan
Self-care has become a real buzz word these days, we hear it a lot and it is thrown around a lot in social media and in conversation.
Sometimes when we think of self -care the image of the bubble bath, the candles, getting a spa treatment comes to mind and while all these are lovely, lovely things to do, that is just a tiny sprinkle and superficial layer almost of what self-care really is.
If we think that by having a bubble bath every now and again, we are taking care of ourselves we really are kidding ourselves.
The true meaning of self-care is that on any given day you tune into yourself and check in to see how you’re really feelling on that day. Not how you think you should be doing, feeling, or performing but how you are really feeling. Based on how you are, giving yourself exactly what you need in that moment to fully support yourself; that is what self -care really is.
Tuning in and giving yourself that care, that attention, that loving support that you would readily give a friend in need. Not turning your back on yourself on the days where you feel you have not performed at your best; these are the days to care more for yourself. We also have a relationship with ourselves and it’s governed under the exact same principles that any good relationship is based on. NOURISH to FLOURSIH!
Self-care is not selfish by the way; self-care is a must.
So now that we know what Self Care really is how do we practice it? Can you see how the bubble bath now is nowhere near the true meaning of Self Care?
In practice I explain Self Care as underpinning the 4 Pillars of your Health:
- 1. Nutrition – what we eat and drink
- 2. Exercise – how we move and mind our bodies. Our bodies were made for movement.
- 3. Sleep – Sleep is now recognised as the no 1 element to get right for our mental health.
- 4. Mindset – how we think and feel about ourselves.
If we can do our best in these 4 Pillars daily, we are truly minding and caring for our bodies and living the true meaning of Self-Care.
Top Tips for each Pillar of Health:
- Nutrition – food and drink – listen food is there for Nutrition but also joy, we must also see that. Self-respect starts with how we nourish our bodies daily both physically and mentally.
The first place to start is to change from seeing food as good or bad to seeing it as the no 1 driver of our health. When you switch your thinking to nourishing your body you tend to choose more wisely.
My biggest piece of advice is to ditch the dieting mentality. 90% of diets fail and it is the only industry in the world where the product fails but people blame themselves! Think about it, how do you feel when your diet fails, and you put on weight? It is a vicious cycle of feeling like a failure, leading to emotional eating and low self-esteem to pick up the courage to start again!
You have not failed; it is the approach you have been given that has failed you!
Aim instead to get back to eating whole natural foods without the deprivation of dieting. Learn how to nourish your body as the main driver of your health, ensure you include at a very base level, carbohydrates, protein, fats, and the essential vitamins and minerals daily.
Dieting or leaving our food groups can damage your health in long term.
- Exercise: 20 minutes brisk walk each day is the heart health recommendation from WHO. Find an exercise you really enjoy, walk, or run with a buddy, be accountable, try 10,000 steps a day challenge.
- Sleep: aim for up to 7 hours, it is not always possible, some barriers can be the blue light from phones which interrupts our melatonin production, lack of magnesium and other nutrients in our diet. Build in a routine like you would for a young child, shower, read, sleep!
- Mindset: how we show up for ourselves daily. Our mindset determines our habits, and our habits play a pivotal role in our health. See yourself as the driver of your own health. When you accept this truth, you show up with a different kind of identity.
Take each Pillar in turn and ask yourself:
What 3 areas can I improve on every day?
This way you truly are taking responsibility for your health.
I hope you can see the true meaning of Self- Care (not just a bubble bath!) and commit to this practice every day.
Sláinte (to your good health)
Christine O Sullivan Nutrition is one of the services available at Scotia Clinic and can be contacted:
Christina /Nutritional Therapist Dip. Nutrition / Mental Health First Aider
Telephone: 087 2246431
Facebook: Christina’s Nutrition & Health Hub
Instagram: christina_nutrition_health_hub
