Self-Care as Health Care: The Path to a Happier, Healthier You

Early in my career, I had an elderly patient who lived in a long-term care facility. She had a long list of health problems. On our first visit, as I asked her about her medical history, she sat shyly with her eyes down, and her hand crept slowly into mine. She gave me a sideways glance as if to ask if it was ok. I smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and we continued.
Every session after that, she would come in and hold my hand as I asked how she was, and often, while she was on my table having acupuncture, I would stand with her and hold her hand to comfort her.
This patient, in her sweet way, was tending to her needs—or practicing self-care.
Self-care is the intentional practice of caring for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Caring for ourselves means becoming attuned to our needs and making the time to engage in activities that nurture and support us in body, mind, and spirit.
Self-care encourages us to slow down, become quiet, and tune in to ourselves.
Caring for ourselves is not selfish, but can be viewed that way by many of us who live in a culture that values ambition and achievement, often at the expense of our health and well-being. Self-care may also be at odds with those taught to value putting others first, especially in roles like caregiving and parenting.
Self-care is about replenishing your own energy and well-being so you can be more present, giving, and loving toward others. When you recognize your own needs, you become more attuned to the needs of those around you.