It is relatively easy to recognise when those around us are not caring well for themselves, either by overworking or just carrying on with their busy work and family lives despite feeling utterly depleted.
But isn’t it just as easy to neglect our own need for self-care?
What is actually meant by self-care? The expression sounds self-explanatory but do we know what it involves?
Most people recognize signs of depletion when they begin losing energy, passion and creativity. Signs of stress generally manifest in the body in the form of colds, flu and tiredness. There might be a lack of engagement with life or even depression. Things begin to feel dull or quickly overwhelming.
But life presses on and taking time out is not in question, right?
The link between stress and physical illness is estimated at 75-90% depending on the source, which is why emotional self-care, stress management and relaxation are so important in our lives.
The focus on work and life duties can easily take precedence over everything else, yet a truly happy life is a balanced life. Freud talked about mental health in terms of love and work; early warning signs are when love is missing.
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