4 Reasons to Practice Self-Care

Practicing self-care is not selfish. There, I said it.

Ladies, we have to realize that we must first take care of ourselves before we can take care of anyone else. If you've ever flown before, then you've likely heard a flight attendant express this same sentiment. Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

Despite our every inclination to feel guilty about spending any time on ourselves, taking time out of our day or week to care for ourselves can actually help us become better wives, mothers, daughters, friends, and so on. It also comes with a whole host of health benefits, both mental and physical.

Here are four reasons to practice self-care:

Self-care reduces stress.

Having even a brief respite can allow you to think more clearly, reevaluate your priorities and make decisions with a more levelheaded mindset.

Self-care improves mental and physical health.

Many health problems can be relieved when you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some time for yourself.

Self-care improves mood.

Doing an activity that you enjoy, with the added benefit of decreased stress, typically leaves you in a better mood than beforehand. 

Self-care increases productivity.

Taking that brief moment to yourself can often energize you and give you the stamina to complete more of those tasks on your to do list.

Why self-care is important

With all of these benefits, we're empowered and enabled to live happier and fuller lives. We're also better able to care for our loved ones without suffering ourselves. We don't have the luxury of having someone to take care of us like so many others do. So, if we don't take the time out to care for ourselves, who will?

Self-care doesn't necessarily mean spending all day (and all your money) at the spa. It can be as simple as doing your skin care routine or relaxing with a delicious, hot cup of tea. Although, really, that trip to the spa doesn't sound too bad either!

Self-care can mean something different to each person. For me, my favorite way to practice self-care is by lighting a NuMe candle and enjoying the luxurious scent as I unwind after a long day. When I close my eyes, with the candle's aroma filling the room, the stress of my day just melts away. There's nothing like it. Candles have always been my go-to method to relax and improve my mood. In fact, that's why I started NuMe Moods. I wanted to be able to share my love for quality candles and to create a product that can make you feel like life is grand, in spite of the stresses of the world.

This week, I challenge you to add at least one form of self-care to your schedule. Even if it's as simple as using a hydrating face mask, every bit of relaxation helps. Let me know, what's your favorite way to practice self-care?