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As fall blends into the scenery and the days grow shorter, it is easy to forget about caring for ourselves. It’s a busy time of year with Halloween fast approaching, and we are getting hints of the holidays just about the corner; now is the time, more than ever, to pay attention to our well-being.
Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is an act of self-preservation. And it makes it much easier to care for others if we care for ourselves.
We can nurture ourselves in many ways that don’t cost a thing. Like reading a book, walking on a path along the water or in the trees, taking a bath, spending a few moments each day to reflect and meditate, music, podcasts…the list is endless.
Whatever way we prefer to unwind, we must make it part of our everyday lives, including health modalities that get to the root of helping the body get balanced and be pain-free. ACU (acupuncture) naps are one of my favourite ways to self-care. It profoundly helps my body relax and go into repair mode. I always get a hop in my step after treatment.
What are the benefits of self-care?
Cultivating a self-care practice is a lot like building muscle. It takes consistent energy and time, but it is totally worth it. As you open yourself up to self-care, what it is, and its importance, it helps you reconnect with yourself and what you want out of your life. “Play” is not just for kids, and doing things for yourself is not “selfish”; it’s perhaps the greatest act of self-love there is. Here are four other benefits of making self-care a priority.
You’ll become more productive.
No, really, you will! It seems counterintuitive, but slowing down means focusing more on what’s truly important and being more intentional with your time. Once you’ve prioritized self-care and a healthy lifestyle, crossing items off your to-do list becomes a lot more efficient. Say no to commitments that don’t serve you. And say yes to the yoga class or coffee with your friend you’ve been putting off.
It gives you a break from stress and boosts your immune system.
What do extra rest, exercise and mindfulness all have in common? They activate your parasympathetic nervous system, put your body in ‘rest and restore’ mode and give your body a chance to decompress. Combining things gives your body its best effort at building defences against cold and flu bugs or other immune system issues.
You get much-appreciated alone time.
Most people need some degree of alone time for appropriate functioning. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, it’s much easier to enjoy quiet meditation, self-reflection or work through problems when relaxing by yourself.
Why making time for self-care matters
Regular self-care is crucial for your physical, emotional and mental well-being. It isn’t an indulgence or something you give a fleeting thought to, but rather something you should never neglect. Knowing your worth through self-compassion and having a healthy work/life balance means you effectively set realistic boundaries and avoid overexertion. Overworking yourself, high-stress levels and exhaustion can all lead to health problems, including anxiety, depression, insomnia and heart disease.
Hop over to my services page to see what I have to offer for your self-care needs. Life is so much better with acupuncture and energy healing!!
Melanie xo
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