The Importance of Self Care

Self care is not selfish or indulgent; it is a vital component of maintaining good physical and mental health. Taking care of oneself reduces stress, prevents burnout, and improves mood and productivity. It also improves physical health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and helps us live longer.

Different Practices of Self Care

Self-care can take many different forms, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, there are some general practices that can be beneficial for most individuals. Let’s have a look at them:

1) Exercise, especially weight lifting to keep our muscles strong and age well. Did you know muscles are an endocrine organ that produce hormones?

2) Good quality sleep, respecting our circadian rhythm. Watch the sunrise and the sunset. Our mitochondria thrive with the sun’s red light. Protect your eyes from blue light by using blue light blockers.

3) Eating a balanced and nutritious diet. In terms of what to eat, it has been scientifically proven that a high intake of protein, good fats and low carbohydrates is what our mitochondria need to produce the energy, neurotransmitters, etc. which our body and mind need to function optimally. Always choose organic, whole, unprocessed foods to keep our bodies as free from pesticides, chemicals and antibiotics as possible.

4) Intermittent fasting helps our body detoxify and restore.

5) Our skin is the largest organ in the body, keep it chemical free, use organic products.

6) Drink plenty of clean, purified water, better with a filter that buying plastic bottles because plastic migrates to the water and produces hormonal imbalances.

7) Curate what you intake through all your senses: the news, the TV you watch, the books you read, the people you spend time with, the music you listen to, the space where you live, the places you visit…We are made up of everything around us.

8) Learn to set boundaries. Be comfortable with saying no when it’s a no and yes when it’s a yes. Respecting ourselves, not adding things to our to do list which are not aligned with us, giving ourselves the time we need to relax, replenish and restore is the only way to thrive and have the relationships and life that add value to us rather than deplete us. To do this, a therapist can help you identify what works for you and what feels aligned and help you implement those boundaries.

Why Self Care is Not a Luxury

Self care can be viewed as a luxury that only the wealthy or privileged can afford. However, this is a misconception. In reality, self care is a basic necessity that can be accessible to everyone. Prioritizing self care is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health and can actually save money in the long run by reducing the risk of costly medical treatments.

Moreover, self care is not just about pampering oneself or indulging in luxury activities. It is about taking responsibility for one's own health and well-being, and recognizing that this is an essential component of living a fulfilling and happy life. It is about setting boundaries, saying no to activities that do not serve one's best interests, and prioritizing the things that truly matter. If you’d like to enjoy a whole week of self care and growth this July 16-23 with me at Quinta Carvalhas, click to read about the retreat I’m having and let’s schedule a call to see if this is what you’re looking for. Can’t wait to speak to you!


For more information contact Therapy Sweet Therapy on +34 659 126 877.