Mindfulness and Self Care

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of work, family and social obligations: being pulled in random directions, thinking about duties, tasks and deadlines, worrying about things that are unlikely to happen… leaving little time for self care. However, neglecting our mental and physical health can lead to very dangerous consequences from stress to anxiety, and even burnout.

And this is where mindfulness must come in.

What is Mindfulness?

As described by the Greater Good Science Center, the research institute at the University of California, Berkeley: “Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a gentle, nurturing lens.”

Or, as I understand it: being fully present and engaged in the moment, aware of where we are and what is happening around us and inside us, and not getting overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on, looking at everything without any judgment, or thinking that there’s a right or wrong way to think or feel in a given moment. (Notice that I did not say behave, because there are appropriate and inappropriate behaviors depending on situations).

And what is Self Care?

Plain and simple: the practice of taking care of one’s physical, emotional and mental health. It involves setting aside time to engage in activities that nourish the body and mind such as exercising, meditating, walking in nature, journaling, practicing hobbies or spending time with loved ones.

Self Care is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, reducing stress and preventing burnout. (Check my previous article regarding work-life balance by following this link).

When combining Mindfulness with Self Care together, being mindful of the situation and conditions around you and the feeling that are rushing inside you, understanding what is going on and why, and actively engaging in Self Care, we can reap numerous benefits for our overall wellbeing:

• Reduced stress and anxiety, and improved productivity:

The 2 most prevailing mental health conditions plaguing the world at the moment. By focusing on the present moment, letting go of worries and the past, the future, and being solely focused on the task at hand, we can complete tasks much faster, with minimum errors and mistakes, granting us more free time later for our self care activities that help us relax, recharge and focus to tackle our daily tasks.

• Improved Mental Health:

Research continues to show that engaging in Self Care activities combats depression and anxiety, alleviates the mood and reduces the symptoms of mental health disorders.

• Better Physical Health:

Self-care activities, such as exercise and proper nutrition are essential for maintaining good health. When combined with mindfulness, we become more aware of our body’s needs and make better choices to improve our overall health.

And with all the above-mentioned benefits, the necessity of incorporating these practices into our daily lives is undeniable. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, just take a few deep breaths, focus on the task at hand, and make sure to prioritize Self Care.