The importance of self-care

It's okay not to be okay? Life is unpredictable! Often, we come across circumstances that are unforeseen and beyond our control. Uncertainty can be uncomfortable in a world of economic instability, geopolitical tensions, corporate restructures, technological disruptions, and there are many things to deal with.

Why embracing uncertainty is critical to your success? How do you care for yourself in times of uncertainty?

Caring is a skill that improves your relationship with yourself. Developing a relationship with yourself is setting yourself on the right path of life mastery which helps you to manage your emotions, reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a positive outlook in challenging situations. Practicing self-care helps manage emotions effectively and promotes emotional resilience. You can be better equipped to nurture healthy relationships with others.

When I first volunteered at Nursing Homes and Day Care Centres, I was part excited and part outside my comfort zone. I have seen many challenges faced by the elderly and persons with disability. I have learned to accept challenges are the best way to learn, challenges we go through are a part of growth, and we all experience it sometimes. But as I found then and countless times since, no worthwhile aspiration can be accomplished without surrendering the comforts of the familiar. When you prioritise self-care, you enhance your ability to focus, make better decisions, grow capabilities, build confidence, and maintain a high level of productivity in both personal and professional endeavours.

The importance of it's okay not to be okay is a great way to address anxiety, handle challenges and abrupt changes, and help clients learn to be more aware of the moment they are in, not worrying about what will happen in the future to the detriment of their experience in the present. In essence, practising self-care is a necessary aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being.

I attended the Open House at National University of Singapore where a Lecturer talked about the challenges of joining the Nursing Programme which reminded me that if it is a work of heart, a passionate heart can do hard work joyfully. Can you be joyful even when life becomes hard?

When you take care of yourself, addressing your emotions, focusing on the positive can help you bounce back more vital than ever, and how we handle them defines our success. You can embrace uncertainty and commit to become stronger, happier and calmer by changing the way you think about your emotions and attitudes. By investing in yourself, you're better equipped to navigate life's challenges, and enjoy a fulfilling and balanced existence.