Page 23 - Seniorstoday October 2023 Issue

everyday stresses, including work-related emotional needs and well being.
pressures and the relentless pace of
modern life. Many people feel increasingly
isolated and struggle to relax, which can
lead to heightened anxiety and a sense of
overwhelm. Identifying and addressing
unmet personal needs is a fundamental
aspect of self care. It involves taking
deliberate steps to focus on both your
physical and emotional well being, tailored
to your specific requirements.
Building a personalised self care routine
will require some effort, but the investment
pays off in the long run. It’s a vital strategy
to maintain overall health and well being
and recognising that self care is as unique
as the individuals who practise it.
A few things you should keep in mind
coming up with a self care plan-
• Do I see myself using this approach?
Your self care plan has to be doable and
beneficial.
• Are you financially able to support your
self care goals?
• Don’t burn yourself out by overdoing self
care- It should be relaxing, not stressful.
• Make sure you practise self care regularly
be consistent.
• Take a look at your past- what relaxing
self care activities have previously worked
for you.
Types of self care-
• Emotional self care- taking care of your
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #52 | OCTOBER 2023
• Physical self care- taking care of your
physical health.
• Spiritual self care- not everyone
practises spiritual self care but if you are a
spiritual person, connecting with a higher
power can bring you calmness and joy.
Start by taking stock of your physical
needs-
Physical self care encompasses
everything that keeps your body
functioning at its best. When addressing
physical self care, take time to pinpoint
your specific needs and take stock of what
measures you need to employ to fulfill
them. If you identify your areas that need
improvement, focus on those aspects in
your self care strategy.
Sleep-
Typically, adults require approximately 7
to 9 hours of sleep per night. Consistently
falling short of getting enough sleep can
have adverse effects on your mood, ability
to focus and overall well being. It’s quite
common to not meet your recommended
sleep quota due to unexpected
circumstances but making an active effort
to get enough sleep can tremendously help
your physical well being.
Healthcare-
Effective self care means overcoming the
reluctance to visit a doctor and address
any health concerns. If you feel generally
well, it often raises the question of- do I
really need an annual check up? However,
routine visits to a healthcare provider are
essential for detecting and addressing
health issues early on and preventing them
from becoming severe. Neglected health
problems can worsen over time and impact
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