We would like to dedicate this article to the question of how we can find our most energetic, productive, ecstatic and happiest selves - and what better topic to discuss than self-care, or as it is known in English: “SELF-CARE”?
“Q: Can you go out today?”
A: No, I am self-caring.”
SELF-CARE
The WHO defines self-care as "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 care provider".
Physical health, which stems from self-care, is undoubtedly a cornerstone of well-being. But self-care extends far beyond physical boundaries. Mental, emotional, and spiritual self-care are all important components that are interconnected and work together to create a happy you!
Finding a perfect balance between these areas may seem impossible at first. This guide can help you explore their deeper meanings, understand them, and become aware of their existence, so you can then create your own personal blend of these fundamental elements. Whether it's a "Self-Care Sunday," meditation, family time, a healthy meal, or taking your daily supplements—well, that's entirely up to you!
MENTAL SELF-CARE
Managing stress effectively can be a very helpful way to improve your happiness. For example, if something is beyond your control, you should also let go of your thoughts about it.
PHYSICAL SELF-CARE
Nutrition, exercise, hydration, and sleep are essential components of our body's self-care. These things help us circulate our blood, boost our metabolism, and, most importantly, create a healthy gut flora, which means we not only feel good but also look good!
EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE
Emotional self-care can mean learning how to stand up for yourself and express your opinions – in other words, healthy assertiveness. This can simultaneously strengthen relationships with people around you, from family to colleagues.
SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE
Connecting your mind with your body can help boost your energy and revitalize your spirit. This can take many forms and be entirely individual! Here are a few inspirations: practicing conscious gratitude, immersing yourself in nature, doing 20 minutes of daily yoga, living more sustainably and showing our planet more love, or simply taking a bubble bath.
HAPPINESS IS CULTIVATED FROM WITHIN… and you have the power to unleash that positive energy from your inside vessel!
5 simple ways to practice self-care in your life - true to the motto #treatyourself:
- Say “no” to things you don’t want to do every now and then – if it feels wrong, why force yourself?
- Develop a feel-good morning routine - What makes you feel good? Does a perfect morning routine for you consist of getting up early, going for a walk, and preparing a healthy breakfast?
- Unplug - Just pull the plug.Turn off your notifications and distance yourself from toxic influences. Relax with an interesting podcast or nourish your mind with meditation. Why not check out our Spotify podcast “BETTER INPUTS - BETTER OUTPUTS”?
- Long hugs - Did you know that when a hug lasts about 15-20 seconds, the much-desired "love hormone" oxytocin is released?
- Focus on Mind & Body - Show your body the love it deserves. For example, by pampering it with healthy foods, gut health, and exercise.
“Self-care is not a luxury, it's essential.”
When we discover and integrate good self-care practices into our daily lives, we become more self-confident, creative, healthier, and happier! Research has shown that self-care helps us make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively—all factors that directly influence our mental well-being. The gut naturally plays a central role in these processes, so our mental state can particularly benefit! Good self-care practices have a positive impact on the gut flora in every way, and vice versa. Healthy eating, a morning routine with DailyBacs, and plenty of positive energy are wonderful examples of this!
- (You can find more information about the scientific background of the connection between gut and mind in the blog post titled “Gut and Mind: A Special Bond”)
- Book discovery of the month: “The Mind-Gut Connection” - Emeran Meyer, MD
Your mybacs team
Happy Gut, Happy You! :)
SOURCES:
https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/self-care-interventions/definitions/en/
http://journalmedizin.de/magen-darm/darmbakterien-lieben-schokolade/
https://www.edeka.de/ernaehrung/expertenwissen/1000-fragen-1000-antworten/macht-schokolade-wirklich-gluecklich.jsp
https://eatsmarter.de/gesund-leben/news/besten-gute-laune-lebensmittel
https://www.edeka.de/rezepte/genussthemen/serotoninreiche-rezepte.jsp
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/08/11/style/how-i-self-care.html?module=inline
https://poosh.com/self-care-mental-health/
