How you can *finally* make self-care a priority in 2023

Be empowered to view self-care as a priority rather than a luxury.

Self-care can often be thought of as something luxurious and “nice to have” rather than “need to have” when it’s actually critical to our health. When we feel stressed and overwhelmed, our sympathetic nervous system is ignited and enacts the fight or flight reaction. Since most of us don’t encounter big animals like tigers on a daily basis, instead it’s the low-level stress that keeps us chronically stressed, unable to relax, and susceptible to developing anxiety, depression, burnout, heart disease, and other undesirable health conditions.

Self-care is vital in reducing stress outside our control and activates our parasympathetic nervous system. A self-care routine gives us more energy, prevents burnout, boosts immune function, reduces inflammation, and promotes longevity. It also allows us to slow down, relax, and counteract the effects of long-term stress.

Self-care practices can be anything you do to intentionally take care of yourself and improve your well-being. Self-care practices allow you to fill up your cup so that you are set up for success to care for others and be better equipped to handle stressful situations.

Since many of us can’t find enough time in the day, I suggest creating a self-care routine that you integrate into your schedule and consistently commit to. Self-care can be different for everyone, whether that means meditating, journaling, going for a walk, or catching up with a friend. Use your self-awareness to reflect on how a self-care routine can fit into your lifestyle and act as a preventative measure for feeling burnt out, stressed, and overwhelmed.