Self-care is necessary for a healthier, happier life. In tough times, it’s easy to neglect our mental and physical health, but it does need looking after. When we talk self care, we talk about the actions you can make to create, protect, keeping, and improve wellbeing and health.
What we consume, how much water we drink, how much alcohol we drink, the workout we do, and the quality of our sleep are all basic to our wellbeing.
Before pulling an all-nighter, there are a few matters you should know about sleep. Insufficient sleep, or inconsistent sleep patterns, can lead to decreased grades, memory, and attention, so a late-night, learning session may have opposite the intended effect.
Many people discover it difficult to take time out to ‘recharge their batteries’, because they don’t want to seem selfish, or lazy, but it’s crucial to remember that to be the best version of yourself, you need to look after number one.
This is probably the number one area, where you can boost your health and well-being. Nurses are notorious for not getting enough sound sleep on a regular basis, odd shifts, and rotating schedules don’t assist the body to regulate rhythms. Fatigue is one thing, but it’s worst when a sleep-deprived nurse actually nods off while at the bedside, or on the road after a late shift. Obviously, that’s extremely dangerous for you, and everyone near you.
Most American people don’t meet the guidelines for sufficient sleep (7 to 8 hours), and many of us consider it a luxury we can’t afford, or try to “bank” shut-eye by sleeping for five hours on work nights, and ten on days off. We like to think, that getting along on little sleep is a symptoms of superhero strength, and those who prioritize rest are weaklings. None of those beliefs are accurate. Here’s how you can take care of yourself, in spite of our hyperactive society’s mistaken take on rest and sleep.
Getting a proper night of sleep is important to our health,. In fact, sleep is now known as the third pillar of wellness along with exercise and nutrition. So, what exactly does a proper night of sleep entail? Well, it rely on the person. Teens (aged 14–17) should aim for 8–10 hours of sleep a night, young adults (aged 18–25) and middle-aged adults (26–64) should shoot for 7–9 hours, and older adults (65+ years) at least 7–8 hours.
I fall into the young people group, and you better believe I get at least 7 hours of sleep a night. My older brother always big smile at me for going to bed on the early side, but it’s all in good fun. He knows just how necessary it is that I — and everybody else for that matter — get a good night’s rest. As a society, we are finally coming to the realization that someone, who gets a full night of sleep shouldn’t be perceived as lazy, but on the contrary, they are recharging their body and mind, for the day ahead.
Sometimes when we think of self-care we think about pampering ourselves, like with manicures or massages. Basic self-care, though, is distinctive.
It is about doing the daily foundational things needed, to take care of your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Things like feeding yourself regularly, drinking water throughout the day, getting enough sleep, to name just a few, are all forms of basic self-care.
This concept of caring for yourselves is often looked at as selfish, or as this “extra” thing, but true self-care is not at all selfish, and really is a necessity of life, so be able to function and live in a meaningful, and mentally and physically healthy way.
