According to the World Health Organization, Self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.
 
Self-care can be understood as the practice of supporting, maintaining, or improving one’s own health. Self-care can truly be any behaviour or action that works to keep you feeling at your best. 
 
“Put your oxygen mask on first.” If you’ve flown in an airplane before, you’ve listened as a flight attendant explained the safety protocols of flying. The same thinking can be applied to self-care.
 
In today’s busy world, it can be easy to put the needs of others first. At times we may even feel like we couldn’t possibly have enough time in our day to focus on our own needs. But - how are we able to take good care of others if we are not first taking care of ourselves. 
 
Self-care is more than just bubble baths. Oftentimes self-care is portrayed as luxurious, expensive practices - like getting a massage or visiting a spa. However, while those things may be seen as self-care for some, for others self-care might be as simple as cooking a meal, exercising, or even doing laundry. 
 
Prioritize the habits that keep you feeling your best. This will look incredibly different for everyone; however, here are some great examples:

How do you practice self-care?

 

Meghan Major 
Certified Health Coach

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