Self-care refers to any activity that improves one’s
relationship with oneself and their sense of inner wellbeing. For many of us,
the approach towards life is to problem-solve, hoping it will make us happy.
But happiness doesn’t lie merely in subtracting issues, as problems will keep
arising and challenging each one of us. There will always be a new problem to
tackle and another goal to reach. Self-care is about engaging in activities
that enhance or actually add to our well-being, regardless of our stack of
problems.

We often mistake self-care for self-indulgence. While
an extra bar of chocolate may sometimes make you feel better, our short-term
gratification is not the main goal of self-care. Self-care is an ongoing
process that takes effort. It can be enjoyable and a fulfilling way to connect
with your own self.

But why is self-care important? Here are 7 reasons why you
need to start taking care of yourself today:

• Self-care improves how you relate to yourself.

No one really teaches us in school how to develop a healthy
relationship with our own selves, even though it is in many ways the most
important one we will ever have. Self-care activities make us look at ourselves
in a new light. We deserve to be loved despite our flaws or weaknesses, instead
of subjecting ourselves to self-criticism.

• Self-care makes you feel good.

Self-care involves activities that make us feel good in the
long run, as well as in the present. It could be about taking a break from work
to engage in a hobby or taking time off away from people for some time. Being
able to say no sometimes can be liberating and make you feel great! Self-care
is about not feeling guilty when you do any of these things.

• Self-care helps you stick to your goals.

Since the approach of self-care is one of kindness and
warmth towards ourselves, it helps us move steadily towards a healthier and happier version of ourselves. Through small but dedicated daily actions towards
our own wellbeing, self-care instills in us the momentum and motivation towards
constructive action to help us achieve our goals.

• Self-care makes us more self-reliant.

Self-care helps us feel more secure in ourselves. Through
self-care, we practice self-control and develop discipline. It also happens to
be one of the most enjoyable ways to do so! Whether it’s getting in your daily
dose of exercise or working on a project, we start to feel confident in our
abilities to pursue them independently.

• Self-care helps you get to know yourself better.

Engaging in acts of self-care helps you get to know yourself
better because you actually get to spend quality time with yourself doing
things you enjoy or need, just for you. Self-care is a life-long process of
self-discovery. It can also give you the courage to step out of your comfort
zone and have new experiences.

• Self-care improves your relationships with others.

Self-care, directly and indirectly, improves our relationship
with others because of its necessity in forming healthy boundaries. Taking care
of yourself sometimes means claiming your own space and time when it is
important, and saying no to people or events. A more secure relationship with
yourself helps you have a more honest and healthy relationship with others.

• Self-care enhances mindfulness.

Self-care is all about enjoying the present moment. It’s
hard for it not to be because the essence of self-care is about catering to
your own needs of the moment. How can being in tune with your own self not be
nice? Self-care is an act of kindness that makes us want to be there to
experience it.

Self-care is personal and asks you to recognize your own
needs. Do you need a break? Do you need some time by yourself? Do you need to
rest? Your rituals of self-care or need of the hour may be unique, but the
essence will always be to approach yourself with thoughts and acts of love and
kindness. Not only do you need self-care, but you also deserve it.