Self-care has been defined as giving adequate attention to one's physical and psychological well-being (Beauchamp & Childress, 200). Beyond being an ambitious goal, dedicating oneself to personal care has been described as an ethical imperative (Norcross &, Barnett, 200) and is part of the APA Code of Ethics (200). Self-care is everything you do to take care of yourself and stay well physically, mentally and emotionally. Its benefits are better physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
Research suggests that self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as building resilience, living longer and being better prepared to manage stress. Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. It means doing things to take care of our minds, bodies and souls by participating in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. Doing so improves our ability to live fully, vibrantly and effectively.
The practice of self-care also reminds you and others that your needs are valid and priority. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines self-care as “paying appropriate attention to one's physical and psychological well-being” and believes that the practice is so crucial that mental health professionals consider it an “ethical imperative”. Like physical self-care, psychological self-care encompasses self-care behaviors that keep your thoughts and emotions in an optimal state of well-being so that you can live a better life. Self-care includes the steps that individuals and caregivers take for themselves, their children, their families, and others to stay fit and maintain good physical and mental health; meet social and psychological needs; prevent illness or accidents; treat minor ailments and long-term conditions; and maintain health and well-being after acute illness or discharge from the hospital.
Clinical evidence that documents the long-term health benefits of specifically adopting a self-care approach to health (rather than other approaches) is less robust, but is accumulating. It's the action that people take for themselves and their families to stay healthy and treat mild and long-term conditions, based on their knowledge and available information, and working collaboratively with health and social care professionals when needed. Paula Gill Lopez, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Educational Consultation at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, states that the need to take care of yourself is obvious. The best way to practice physical self-care is to create a balanced, long-term wellness plan that includes manageable levels of physical activity, regular medical checkups, time to rest and relax productively, and a balanced diet.
There is strong evidence that people with a greater sense of that external control are more likely to be sensitive to stress, and low control can contribute to psychological distress. The tendency to have a greater sense of control is also associated with higher levels of psychological problems. In fact, knowing when to see a health professional is an important judgment that a person who cares about themselves must make and should be the result of a self-determined decision-making process about self-care. Interventions that use the Internet, mobile phones, personal sensors or independent computer software have been effective in improving lifestyle-related behaviors related to diet, physical activity, obesity and the consumption of tobacco or alcohol in the short term (up to one year).
