Self-care and why it’s important

While we might consider every month to be Self-Care Month, today marks the last day of the official Self-Care Month recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The period between June and July is used by the WHO to raise awareness around self-care and self-care interventions, celebrate the benefits of looking after ourselves, and call for renewed commitments from people in power to expand health systems to include self-care interventions.

What is self-care?

Many of us might think of self-care as a bit of a luxury, and depending on the context in which we're thinking about it, we probably have different definitions.

The WHO defines it as: "individuals, families and communities’ promoting and maintaining their own health, preventing disease, and coping with illness and disability, with or without the support of a health worker."

The National Institute of Mental Health says: "Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact."

The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as either:

"the practice of doing activities that you enjoy or that are relaxing, especially in order to improve or avoid stress"

OR

"the practice of caring for yourself when you are ill or to stop yourself from becoming ill"

Ask any individual what they feel self-care is, and you will mostly find the spectrum is vast and personal. To us that's part of the joy of exploring wellness - it provides an opportunity for us to discover what works for us.

For some parameters, The International Self-Care Foundation (ISF) has developed a framework for self-care around seven 'pillars', which include:

• Knowledge and health literacy
• Mental wellbeing
• Physical activity
• Healthy eating
• Risk avoidance
• Hygiene
• Responsible use of self-care products

That all sounds quite technical, but to us self-care comes down to one core element - what makes us feel the most well. Believing that we all need different things at different times - whether it's a nourishing poke bowl, a relaxing massage or to dance the night away with our best friends. Here are some of the things that make us feel our best.

Why is self-care important?

Why is self-care important? The WHO, keeping in mind their definition of self-care, sees it as essential because it empowers people when it comes to their health and also helps to take pressure off healthcare systems by improving overall wellbeing and autonomy.

They write: "Self-care interventions give people choice and the option to access healthcare wherever and whenever they want to. Self-care interventions do not replace health systems, they enhance them."

Once again, holistically there's a whole raft of reasons that self-care is important both to individuals and society. On a personal note however, perhaps the most valuable part of self-care is that it can help us to enjoy our lives more, bringing joy, fulfilment, reduced stress and anxiety, and hopefully better wellbeing so we can take greater pleasure in each day.

Self care with Spabreaks.com

With all of that in mind, there are so many different ways to enjoy, explore, experiment and experience self-care, whether you have a little time at home or a longer period to spend in a spa or out and about.

At Spabreaks.com we embrace the wide spectrum of feel-good-factor from nutrition to aromatherapy, touch therapies to time in nature, dancing the night away with friends, exercise, meditation, a good skincare routine, a long bath... you name it.

Our Self-care Sundays are dedicated to exploring all of that, from the world of spa to the personal recommendations of the people within it.

A few spa favourites also include:

Aromatherapy

Whether it's an aromatherapy massage, a facial or incorporating scents into your home, did you know that aromatherapy can have an immediate impact on your mood?

Time in nature

From 'earthing' by putting our feet firmly on the ground, to fresh air, listening to the birds and watching the world go by - time in nature has a wonderful way of soothing the soul and calming the senses. If you find it difficult to slow down and enjoy the natural world, forest bathing is a wonderful way to reconnect.

Wild swimming

Wild swimming had a renaissance during and after the pandemic, but anyone who has ever gone for an invigorating swim in the sea will tell you of its magnetic appeal. Offering a host of health benefits, swimming in the great outdoors is another way to connect with nature, exercise and disconnect from the white noise of daily life. Tempted? Many of our spas have exquisite natural swimming ponds to enjoy.

A massage

Massage remains the most popular spa treatment amongst spa goers, not least because there are so many different varieties. From gentle aromatherapy massages to intense deep tissue massage, whether you have tight muscles from working out or aching shoulders from too much time at your desk, massage can offer a whole world of holistic healing.