How Self-Care can Change Your Life

Self-care is defined as paying attention to one's own bodily and psychological welfare (Doran). To achieve, maintain, or promote optimal health and well-being, one must have the ability to take care of themselves through awareness, self-control, and independence. Understanding how self-care affects eating disorders can improve their recovery. Self-care promotes resilience to life's stresses and stress management, all of which help avoid burnout and fatigue. For those who are struggling with an eating disorder, self-care can be difficult or nonexistent. Eating disorders involve disconnection from one’s needs and body.

People who struggle with eating disorders typically talk about feeling distant from their bodies, hunger cues, and well-being. When you allow for time for treatment and self-care it allows for one to improve their physical health, mental state, and overall well-being (Doran).

The phrase "self-care" is frequently confused with "pampering." pampering is the technique of making someone feel special by making them as comfortable as possible and granting them their wishes regarding themselves. Yet, self-care is the practice of doing and carrying out duties for one's well-being, health, and quality of life.

For instance, massages, manicures, and spa days are just a few examples of pampering. While all pampering falls under the umbrella of self-care, not all self-care is pampering. Speaking well of oneself and body is a form of self-care. Self-care is learning to manage workload and take breaks as needed. Self-care is setting boundaries with others. Self-care is enjoying a cookie because eating it shouldn't make you feel bad about yourself (Bhandari).

There are many self-care methods such as listening to music, trying new foods, setting aside an hour for yourself, and making health and nutrition appointments. Not incorporating self-care allows stress to build up that can have an impact on both your mental and physical health. If one takes time to slow down and take care of themselves these issues can be reduced or avoided. Allow yourself some time to breathe, relax, and refocus to prevent burnout and stress. When we slow down, we have more time to genuinely care for ourselves and our bodies (Cunff). Overall, slowing down can improve your mental health by reducing fatigue, allowing for clearer thoughts and decisions, fostering deeper relationships, and engaging in more fulfilling activities. By slowing down one can develop more mindful eating habits and better nutrition habits. If you integrate self-care into your routine, you'll feel better about both your body and life (Cunff).

Take care of yourself today and improve your energy, nutrition, and mental health with a nutrition appointment to get you on track to a happier life. Schedule today at https://www.jsechinutritiontherapy.com/schedule or call 713-997-9613.

Take Care,

WC&NT

References

Bhandari, Smitha. “Self-Care for Anorexia.” WebMD, WebMD, 29 Sept. 2022, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/anorexia-nervosa/self-care-anorexia.

Cunff, Anne-Laure Le. “An Ode to Slowness: The Benefits of Slowing Down.” Ness Labs, 24 June 2021, https://nesslabs.com/the-benefits-of-slowing-down#:~:text=Overall%2C%20slowing%20down%20will%20help,well%2Dbeing%20by%20avoiding%20burnout.

Doran, Jennifer. “The Unspoken Truth about Self-Care.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, 2014, https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/04/corner#:~:text=Self%2Dcare%20has%20been%20defined,APA's%20Ethics%20Code%20(2002).