Self-care has become a popular topic these days, both online and offline. Grind culture may be a thing, but more people are realizing that rest, healing and making sure you’re well are important to achieving your goals and being the best you can be.
People tend to think of self-care as something luxurious and fancy. But it’s just about doing things every day that make you feel good and healthy. This can be anything from exercising to taking a nap or relaxing. Self-care includes all aspects of your health – physical, mental and emotional.
Taking care of yourself is important; Southstar Drug and Maxicare know this well. They are health and wellness champions and want you to have a self-care plan. In this way, you can find out what your body wants and needs, what it is good at, and what it is not. Having a plan means being proactive in taking care of yourself and maintaining your health.
According to life coach and inner child clinical therapist Saps Uttam, prioritizing your health is the ultimate form of self-love and self-respect. “Your health should be your top priority. It becomes easier to maintain healthy habits and stay motivated to continue a healthier lifestyle when self-care is a priority,” she says.
dr. Art C. Libao, chief medical officer of Maxicare, also agrees that taking precautions to prevent disease is far better than treating it. “Regular exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation techniques and regular check-ups are better than maintenance drugs. Poorly controlled blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attack, stroke and other life-threatening conditions, but these risks can be reduced by choosing a healthy lifestyle,” he points out.
Creating a self-care plan
Now that you understand the importance of self-care, it’s time to start building your plan. Take a moment to reflect on your current habits and assess how they are affecting your overall health. Consider all aspects of your well-being and identify areas that need improvement. After that, commit to adding more healthy habits to your daily routine, such as eating more vegetables and doing relaxing activities to help manage stress.
As you embark on your self-care journey, you may face challenges that could derail your progress. This can include poor time management, limited resources and unexpected life events. Make sure you’re always prepared by listing potential scenarios and planning how to deal with them. Consistency is key in maintaining your self-care plan, but remember to take it at your own pace, one day at a time.
“Love and have compassion for yourself. This journey starts with you because you matter and you are worth it. Once you show up for yourself, being there for others will come naturally. There is nothing more meaningful in this world than helping others. Always remember that it all starts with you,” emphasizes Uttam.
Southstar Drug and Maxicare joined forces to hold the 12th edition of the Run for Wellness to support consumers on their journey to a healthier and happier life. This running event aims to promote physical health and mental well-being among Filipinos. The two legs of the Run for Wellness race, held in Quezon City and Naga City, attracted more than 7,000 participants, including experienced runners, beginners, children, families and individuals from diverse backgrounds who took the first step towards their best life.
dr. Libao says that running can have a positive effect on health by strengthening the heart, improving blood circulation and helping to create healthier habits.
“Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress hormones, which may explain why people often feel better after playing tennis, golf or brisk walking. It stimulates the release of endorphins, enhancing positive feelings that can encourage individuals to continue exercising,” he says.
Offering comprehensive health supplies and world-class health services, Southstar Drug and Maxicare aim to be the trusted companions, “Kasama sa Best Life”, for Filipinos.
