Hi, I’m Sydney Allkins, a first-year student passionate about self-care and what it means to truly look after yourself. This Valentine’s Day, make time for some self-care and look out for your emotional, physical and mental well-being. In this blog, I’ll talk about self-care and the different ways you can apply it to your everyday life.

Self-care is the practice of intentionally taking actions to preserve or improve one’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves recognizing one’s own needs and taking steps to address them, such as engaging in activities that promote relaxation, nourishment, personal growth, and stress reduction. Self-care can encompass a wide range of activities, from basic tasks like getting enough sleep and eating nutritious food to more indulgent practices like taking a leisurely bath or spending time engaging in any hobbies you may have. The ultimate goal of self-care is to maintain a healthy balance in life and ensure that one’s own needs are met, mentally, physically, and even spiritually. Allowing for greater resilience and overall satisfaction in one’s life.  

There are a variety of practices and behaviours you can introduce into your daily routine aimed at promoting overall well-being. Here are some key aspects of self-care: 

• Physical self-care can involve taking care of your body through activities such as getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, practising good hygiene, and attending to any medical needs or concerns you may have but be put to the side.  

• Physical activity has been shown to release endorphins, neurotransmitters in the brain that act as natural mood lifters. Regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, practising good sleep hygiene and ensuring sufficient rest can improve cognitive function, mood stability, and overall mental well-being. 

• Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Emotional self-care involves identifying and acknowledging your feelings, expressing emotions in healthy ways, setting boundaries to protect your emotional energy, practising self-compassion and forgiveness, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and seeking support from friends, family, or even the Reading University support systems.  

You can call 08000232466 to access our 24hr support helpline which is completely confidential.  

• Looking after your mind includes keeping your mind sharp and healthy which is vital for overall well-being. Mental self-care includes engaging in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, learning new skills, solving puzzles, or pursuing creative hobbies. It also involves managing stress effectively, practising mindfulness or meditation, challenging negative thought patterns, and seeking help if you’re struggling with mental health issues. 

Here is a link to a step-by-step guide to meditation for beginners: 

• For some people, spirituality plays a significant role in their overall well-being. Spiritual self-care can involve practices such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, spending time in nature, connecting with a higher power or purpose, and engaging in activities that align with your personal values and beliefs. 

Looking after oneself requires intentional effort and self-awareness. It’s about prioritizing your own needs and well-being, recognizing when you need to recharge or seek support, and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.  

Meditation offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the ways meditation can be good for you: 

• Stress reduction: One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. By calming the mind and promoting relaxation, meditation can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a greater sense of calm and inner peace.  For example, a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2014 found that mindfulness meditation programmes have moderate evidence of improving anxiety, depression, and pain.  
• Improved mental health: Regular meditation practice has been linked to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It can help cultivate a more positive outlook, enhance emotional regulation, and increase resilience to life’s challenges. 
• Better focus and concentration: Meditation involves training the mind to focus on the present moment, which can improve concentration and attention span. This enhanced focus can translate into improved productivity and performance in daily activities. 
• Enhanced self-awareness: Through meditation, you can develop a greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This self-awareness can help you recognize and change unhealthy thought patterns or behaviours, leading to greater self-understanding and personal growth. 

Prioritizing self-care and nurturing one’s well-being emerges as a cornerstone of a fulfilling and balanced life. This commitment to personal wellness comes with a variety of practices ranging from the seemingly modest to the profound. The journey towards self-care may seem daunting, however, taking small actions such as daily walks and cultivating a positive mindset can lay the path towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.