SELF-CARE IS HEALTH CARE

Today is Self-care day, and this prompts us to stop for a moment and think about the subject. Self-care may be defined by the term itself — caring for yourself. It includes anything you do to keep yourself healthy — physically, mentally and spiritually.

Although prioritising self-care may sound like common sense, especially if you’re considering longevity, it is often the first casualty when you find yourself in a challenging situation, such as bad health, a financial crisis, job loss, etc. This is why it is important to prioritise self-care, and not treat it as an afterthought.

In a society in which people are expected to work long hours and pass on vacation days, there is an underlying belief that we must always be productive — which can ultimately take away opportunities for self-care. But by taking some time out to engage in this practice, you may relieve the pressures of everyday life and reset yourself to get back to a healthy point where you can be more productive again. Considering the costs associated with mental health services, lost wages and more, spending some time on yourself may ultimately benefit everyone.

DR. GJD Rao Senior Physician at Malla Reddy Narayana Multispeciality hospital says “ Old Saying if Wealth is lost, hardly anything is lost , but if health is lost everything is lost”. Hence Self Care is the best and most affordable care. Most important is personal and environmental hygiene which includes drinking pure and safe water, consuming hygienic and balanced diet, Clean and hygienic environment at home. Also regular exercise, meditation and yoga are the most inhouse self care habits which can be adhered by all individuals.”.Aging & acquiring disease is natural phenomenon. No exception for any one, hence periodical medical checkup has to be done to detect diseases in early stages. Lastly attending health educational & vaccinations regulary keeps us healthy.

Burning the candle at both ends, so-to-speak, comes with significant consequences, which may include burnout, depression, anxiety, resentment, and a whole host of other negative implications.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy and more. From a physical health perspective, it has also been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Self-care offers numerous benefits for your overall well-being such as improved physical health, greater energy and a stronger immune system. Self-care also enhances mental and emotional wellbeing, reduces stress, and promotes better mental health by providing opportunities to relax, recharge, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Perhaps the single most common reason people give for not participating in self-care, is lack of time. While many of us have a lot going on, it is imperative that we take time out every day for ourselves, even if minimally.

Prioritise your health this Self-care day and take advantage of the many health check plans that Malla Reddy Hospital offers.