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What Self-Care Truly Means


BISU’s psychologist Dariya Panfilova shares her professional insights

Self-care is a crucial aspect of our psychological well-being and happiness. It contributes to increasing effectiveness and supports our physical and emotional well-being. Neglecting one’s own needs can lead to depression, stress, and burnout.

If you often find yourself immersed in the care of others or engrossed in work and household duties, sidelining your own sleep, nutrition, and relaxation, it’s time to restore equilibrium.

For each individual, the following aspects are extremely important:

Physical Health

A well-balanced diet, consistent moderate physical activity, and sufficient sleep collectively contribute to an improved sense of well-being, heightened energy levels, and increased decisiveness.

Emotional Self-Care

Learn to recognise and express your feelings, seek relaxation and stress relief methods. Psychotherapy, meditation, and journaling can be valuable tools in this process.

Information Hygiene

It’s essential to regulate the time spent on social media and news feeds. Use this time for yourself, whether it’s reading, exercising, taking a bath, or simply getting some quality sleep. Consider making it a rule, for example, not to scroll through your feed during meals, on the road or before bedtime.

Reflection and Self-Improvement

Identify your goals, articulate your desires, and then create plans to achieve them. Choose one thing and start implementing it in your life.

Communication

Maintain or re-establish relationships with close friends and pleasant people. During times of war or prolonged forced separation, people may feel some restraint. However, communication is a skill that can be lost when not used for a long time and can be developed again.

Release Guilt

It’s important to understand that self-care is not a selfish act. It helps maintain emotional stability and improves your relationships with others.

When you find yourself overly preoccupied with others and neglecting your own well-being, recall the familiar instruction often heard on airplanes: “Put on your own oxygen mask first, before assisting the child.” It’s only when you are replenished with strength that you can effectively provide assistance to others.