(ThySistas.com) Self care is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Whether you’re stressed at work or becoming overwhelmed at home, self care is going to help you to alleviate some of the stress and feel better. Self care is often the first thing to get neglected when we’re stressed, and because of things, things get worse.
While self care might sound a little indulgent when you have important things on your mind, it may just be small acts of self care that are crucial for your wellbeing.
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so in order to care for others, you
need to care for yourself. To do your best in your job, and any other area of life you need to take care of yourself. Here are some signs you’re neglecting your self care:
You’re Staying Up Even Though You’re Tired
We’ve all been there; tired and yet still browsing Facebook mindlessly for no apparent reason. Staying up late even though your body needs sleep is a huge sign you’re neglecting your self care. You need to make sure you get adequate sleep each night so that you’re functioning properly during the day. Those who get less than 6 hours have been proven to be as worse off as those who don’t get any at all.
Your Immune System Is Weak
Do you find yourself feeling ill a lot of the time? Perhaps you are getting colds regularly, or you just feel run down. Your immune system can be weak for many reasons. You may not be keeping up with your hygiene, or you may be overly stressed. A weak immune system is a big sign that you’re not paying enough attention to yourself and your surroundings. Of course, it can’t always be helped, but along with other signs it’s a big indicator that you need to do more to keep yourself healthy.
If your immune system is left to weaken over time, you may find yourself in hospital with more serious conditions. Then you’ll have something even bigger to worry about than whatever is on your mind now – staying healthy and finding the right medical care. Avoiding this part altogether will help to stop a plethora of future problems, like having to find a medical malpractice lawyer when you don’t get the care you need. Ultimately, you need to do everything you can to keep your immune system strong.
You’re Drinking Alcohol Every Day
Do you find that you have to have alcohol every day to help you feel relaxed or sleepy? Overtime, this can actually cause insomnia rather than help you to sleep. Alcohol in small quantities is ok, but you need to make sure you’re having a few rest days from it per week to give your liver a break. Avoid binge drinking. You may be able to control your alcohol intake and avoid spending your utility bill money on the stuff, but if you have to have some every day to feel a certain way, you are still alcohol dependent.
If you need help, the first thing you need to do is admit it to somebody you trust. Then you need to get help. You might think that the ‘12 step’ programme isn’t for you, but it has helped so many different people with a plethora of different problems.
You’re Not Eating Properly
If you find yourself skipping meals, or eating foods that you know aren’t really good for you most of the time, then this is another sign your self care has gone out of the window. Eating healthy can be as easy or as difficult as you like. You don’t need to be perfect 100% of the time, but you do need to make sure you’re making an effort to eat as well as possible. You’ll notice in no time at all that you feel much better for it.
You’re Not Exercising
Exercising is important for overall health and well being. You don’t need to slog away on the treadmill or do anything you hate. However, you do need to make sure you get moving every day, even if it’s just for a walk. Isolating yourself as much as possible and not moving is really going to catch up with you in the long run.
You Only Hydrate With Caffeine
Caffeine can give many people a boost at the start of the day. That being said, too many people depend on it as their only method of hydration. A few cups in the morning is OK, but switching to herbal or green tea later on is best, as this won’t disrupt your sleep as much. You also need to make sure you’re drinking plenty of non-caffeinated beverages, such as plain water. Remember, soda has caffeine in it too.
Staff Writer; Carla Brown