The Secret to Self-care and Why You Should Prioritize It Today

In 2018, the American Psychiatric Association found that 39% ofU.S.adults felt more anxious than they did the previous year. As stress and anxiety play a significant role in many Americans’ lives, the national corporate wellness market could reach an estimated $15.5 billion by 2024. But how effective are costly meditation retreats, goat yoga classes and scented candles when it comes to quieting our minds and relaxing our bodies in today’s fast-spinning world?

For Carley Schweet, a self-care coach and author of the book Boundaries with Soul, part of the problem is finding time: Many of us feel too time-strapped, or even too guilty, to set aside quality time for ourselves. “When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to care for others and show up for them as the best version of ourselves – not burnt-out, exhausted and resentful people,” says Schweet. “Our loved ones deserve better than that.”

Why You Need to Invest in Self-care Tips

Routine and intentional self-care can contribute enormous emotional, physical and even financial benefits. Mental health perks include reduced stress, a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of self. And for our physical health, learning about our body’s needs and incorporating exercise into self-care can help us “lose weight, gain energy, sleep more soundly and have clearer skin,” says Schweet. The advantages extend to the office, too. By focusing on ourselves, we can build the self-esteem required to ask for a raise or more vacation days, for instance, ultimately enhancing career fulfillment overall.

However persuasive the argument for a solid self-care regimen, certain myths may keep many of us from cultivating our best selves. Here, we explore common misconceptions about self-care and offer fresh ideas for nurturing your mental and physical wellness.

MYTH: Self-care Routines Are Expensive

REALITY: “With the commercialization of self-care, it can feel very black or white,” says Schweet. “You either buy it or invest in it, or you don’t.” The truth, she says, is that many of the best self-care practices are “totally free.” Daily smartphone-free walks, morning stretches, eight glasses of water a day – they are all ways to recharge your mind and body, not your credit card.

MYTH: Self-care Requires Significant Lifestyle Changes

REALITY: You don’t have to quit your job, sign up for pilot lessons or install a home gym to nurture your true being or improve the way you invest in yourself. Schweet says that “small practices” can make a big difference in personal wellness: “Self-care are the physical, emotional and spiritual practices we hold. These can range from going for a walk and choosing to eat our green vegetables to setting boundaries and having an active meditation practice.”

MYTH: Self-care Occurs at Home, Not at Work

REALITY: A demanding boss, a nosy coworker, a jam-packed meeting schedule – these factors can push our boundaries, drain precious energy and threaten our peace of mind. Schweet’s advice: Push back. “If you’re totally swamped, you’ve taken on too much, you feel like you’re stretched way too thin, there’s too much on your plate – that’s a perfect opportunity to say no.”

Another way to ensure self-care in a work environment is to carve out time for yourself. For example, Schweet says eating lunch away from your desk can help you “get back in touch with how you’re feeling that day, give your eyes a break and allow you to come back to the office with your energy shifted. When we take time for ourselves, we gain a greater sense of confidence, we feel good, more inspired and we’re more tapped into our creativity.”

MYTH: When It Comes to Self-care, It’s All or Nothing

REALITY: For some, the mere thought of committing to a weekly exercise regimen, or starting a guided meditation practice, is too overwhelming. “This whole idea of falling off the wagon is so intimidating to people that they often don’t even start,” says Schweet. To ease the pressure, she recommends viewing self-care tips as a series of small steps (and occasional stumbles) that guide you toward a happier, healthier and more balanced lifestyle – one that includes ample space to devote to yourself.