Paddington Clinic has been operating for over 30 years and in that time, we’ve seen more and more of a change in people’s attitude and realisation of the importance of self-care. People are realising that massage, supplements, acupuncture, oils and any other natural therapies are no longer about “pampering” ourselves or a luxury. They are a form of self-care, an empowering tool people can use to help themselves manage and better their own wellbeing. Of course, we see plenty of clients who need treatments for acute health problems but more and more we also see those who incorporate natural therapies as part of their monthly, fortnightly or even weekly self-care routine.
So here’s our question to you: How is your self-care at the moment? Are you making time or do you even factor in self-care into your daily routines or week?
What is self-care?
Self-care
/sɛlfˈkɛː/ Noun
- The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
- The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Why is self care important?
Self-care is important for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is important to nurture these aspects of ourselves and life in order to build a healthy relationship with ourselves and those around us.
As Maria Baratta (Ph.D., L.C.S.W) explained in Psychology Today, “Self-care, in essence, is the mindful taking time to pay attention to you, not in a narcissistic way, but in a way that ensures that you are being cared for by you. Self-care goes a long way in managing stress and living your best life.”
Self-care tips
- Get good quality sleep. If there are times when the mind is too active or you have difficulty sleeping, essential oils, guided meditation, reading, or journalling before bed can help relax the mind and put any worries into perspective. Acupuncture is a wonderful tool to combat insomnia, along with many natural herbs and supplements.
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. There is so much information and research coming out linking food and nutrition with diseases, gut health and illness. Our naturopaths can help you design an eating approach to support you in the best way possible.
- Do a cleanse. Our naturopaths have several cleanses available which can be just the kick start you need to start creating good habits and begin to care for yourself.
- Drink plenty of water. That might seem like a rather dull act of self-care but our body is made up of over 70% water and it is significant how many people don’t drink enough water . Water hydrates our muscles and lubricates our joints. Water helps our organs (especially our bowels) to function properly. Water prevents headaches, flushes out toxins, and boosts the immune system.
- Supplement and Herb Support. Soil and food quality these days means so many of us are deficient in so many minerals and nutrients. Herbs are another empowering tool to gently support wellbeing to boost energy, relax our nervous systems and be a friend to ourselves.
- Have fun. Nurturing a passion or doing something just for the fun of it, because it makes us come alive, is something we easily overlook when time, pressure and the responsibilities of adult life take control. Get your calender and actively book in leisure activities for yourself. Whether it’s climbing a mountain, reading a book, going to a pottery class, or taking up a dance class, fun helps reduce stress, balance hormone levels, brings social interaction & connection to others and makes us feel energetic and youthful.
- Get a massage or book an acupuncture session. A good acupuncturist can assess deficiencies and imbalances before any long standing symptoms appear. Getting regular acupuncture treatments can help to support internal organs, remove blockages from the body, and assist in niggling aches and pains. Both acupuncture and massage boost feelings of wellbeing by releasing endorphins and other feel-good neurotransmitters into the body.