How to Self Care in 2021

Recently, I read a quote that said “Chance favors the prepared” and while I don’t subscribe to depending on chance I must admit that preventive measures have their weight in gold.

Preventive care is a discipline that is not particularly glamorous or sexy (much like home owners insurance). But its consistency brings the wondrous fruit of avoiding what could be a crisis into an inconvenience.

In the world of massage and muscle care, this means getting massage on a regular basis to prevent the horrificness (I just made up that word) of a muscle spasm that sends you crying to your knees. Somethings you can’t see coming but most things you can. There are red flags, clues. Perhaps the very things causing you stress may not bad in and of themselves but simply don’t make sense for where you are at right now.

To understand self care one must understand the destination that occurs from neglect of caring for your mind and body. Neglect is a sneaky thing. It doesn’t announce itself boldly but weaves its way into your life and time zips by you. Before you know it, you’re in more physical and emotional pain than you could have anticipated.

It’s financial costly to care for yourself and time consuming but it’s even more so when you face a health crisis. Hospital visits and popping pills out of pure desperation to get the pain to stop. So, here are my tips:

Identify Your Stressor

Remember that stress is not the enemy. It’s chronic negative stress. It’s that receptive inner warning that says “this doesn’t feel right to me”. Not, “this is hard”. If you’re working towards a goal the stress of accomplishing something good will require hard work. This is the time where you assess your stressor and ask, ” Do I keep this in my life? How can I change this to reduce my stress? Is it time to let it go?” By the way, the answer is not always removing things from your life. Somethings simply need to be modified slightly. For example, if working on your bed for hours is causing you back pain, you need to have a serious look at creating a proper desk space with adequate support.

Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?

When it comes to sabotaging our health the answer is sometimes “yes!!!”. I know, it stinks but it’s true. Some of us have poor boundaries and take on too much, we struggle to rest and can’t relax. We’re terrible at communicating our needs in a mature and respectful manner. We people please our way into having a stroke. If you think this sounds dramatic, think again, people actual die from stress. If that’s not a negative implication to your health I don’t know what is. So, it’s time to own up to some personal responsibility and become your greatest ally.

Your Health Entourage

You’re the playing the leading role in your health and you need a supporting cast that is looking out for you. That’s doctors, therapists and coaches. Sound expensive? It doesn’t have to be, just do what you can to be held accountable to practicing preventive care and then do it. You’ll discover that there are professionals in the world that were literally born with a deep passion to help others be healthier. There are towns and cities with a budget to literally keep the public healthy. There are many free or low cost initiatives that may be within your community that you may not be aware of. Local hospitals offer free screenings certain times of the year. Take advantage of that.

Good Hygiene

Basic soap and warm water can work wonders. If you have access to these as well as basic hygiene products you are already have great leverage on your healthcare. Keeping your home, car and work space clean is absolutely essential to good health. You don’t have to buy the latest gadgets in cleaning or expensive cleaners. Keeping your hair, skin and teeth clean are simple and inexpensive ways that you can keep your health in check.

However, don’t be obsessive. Hyper cleaning removes the good bacteria that lives on your body as well and is needed to fight your immune system. Excessive showering and scrubbing will leave you vulnerable for harmful bacteria to attack.

If you want to de-stress by cleaning do so with natural and non-toxic ingredients in your home such as baking soda, dish washing soap and vinegar.

Vitamin Level Check Ups

Supplements have been in style for years and each year there’s a new super food or discovered supplement to add to the list. Some people take supplements because their appetite is low and they do not take enough nutrients in their body. If this is the case I would explore ways to be more disciplined about an eating regimen and eating foods that are healthy and offer a variety. Going hours without eating increases weight and adds unnecessary stress to your body. When you check your schedule in the morning be intentional about meal times.

With that said, getting blood work at a lab will tell you if you are deficient in a vitamin. Do not fall sway to the advertisements of supplements. If there is no proof that you are deficient then why waste your money? However if you find that you are, simply research a reputable company and take the vitamin or mineral for approximately 3-6 months. Then have your levels checked once again and see where you stand.

Are You Pooping?

I know, it sounds gross but the truth is that having frequent bowel movements with enough um, substance is an important part of self care. It doesn’t cost a thing to keep a track of how often you are doing number 2. It should be 1-2 twice a day. Now, there are stools to elevate your feet to mimic a somewhat squatting position but an ideal er, release.

Not going to the bathroom for days on end is a red flag. Your body is meant to excrete feces, literally and much like a good appetite it’s a sign of good health.

Water

While we’re on the topic of poop, not doing so (constipation) can prove to be extremely painful. Actually, the most common signs of dehydration is dry, flaky skin and muscle cramps. Yes, there are other illnesses that carry these same symptoms however if you’re serious about self care then understanding your personal water intake is key. You can search a water intake calculator online, type in your height, weight and activity level and it will give you the amount of ounces you must drink for your specific body. Do this, and you’ll be avoiding a host of health issues in the future.

For 2021, the environment is on everyone’s mind. To keep the peace with the earth grab yourself a stainless steel water bottle and say goodbye to plastic water bottles. In fact, if you’re in the habit of losing your bottles there are more economical options for staying hydrated and being kind to the planet. Get a water bottle for your car and home/work space and say a prayer of thanks if you live in a country where you have access to clean water because many people don’t.

Know the Consequences

Too much sugar in the diet equal diabetes. Too much constant negative stress leads to a heart attack or stroke. Not enough movement will leave you depressed and too much will leave you in constant pain. To practice preventive care you have to know what you are preventing. In the case of your muscle health its nasty and overpowering spasms and pain.

Conclusion

Practicing preventive care can also be touted as self care. Despite the name and how it evolves over time, its crucial to have a loving relationship with your body. Create a routine of healthy habits that you genuinely enjoy and work with what you can. You only have one body, treat it well.

Prioritize your health, its worth it.