Is pampering the same as self-care?

Is pampering the same as self-care?

When I say self-care people tend to think pampering. Massages, long baths, pedicures, manicures…all of those fall under the category of pampering. But while all pampering falls under self-care, not all self-care is pampering. Sometimes self-care is simply setting boundaries. Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. “Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first; it means me too.” “I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” “Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort.” Pampering is doing things for our children that they are perfectly capable of doing for themselves. The fact is, our children are born with an innate desire to do things for themselves and begin to express that desire around the age of two.

Is self pampering good?

While self-pampering doesn’t always lead to major improvements in overall health the way healthy diet and exercise do, the relaxation you get from it can trigger the relaxation response. This, in turn, can prevent chronic stress from damaging your health. So in a sense, self-care is good for you inside and out. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more. Some good examples of practicing good self-help include: Exercising regularly. Eating a healthy diet. Maintaining and fostering healthy relationships. Self-talk is a healthy way to build motivation, calm nerves or analyze a tricky situation. “It’s a useful way to check in with yourself and organize thoughts and feelings,” says health psychologist Grace Tworek, PsyD. Self-talk is a healthy way to build motivation, calm nerves or analyze a tricky situation. “It’s a useful way to check in with yourself and organize thoughts and feelings,” says health psychologist Grace Tworek, PsyD.