In recent times it feels like we're drowning in a sea of challenges. Every day brings a new wave of disturbing news, leaving us feeling stressed, exhausted, and helpless. What's more alarming in this situation is the feeling of loneliness casting a dark shadow on us. The taxing time, uneasiness, irritation and the need to detach ourselves is not something we have experienced before.

But do you know what's more scary? It is our mental, emotional, and physical health taking a major blow. We find ourselves constantly on edge, our minds racing with worries about the future and regrets about the past. Emotionally, we're drained struggling to find joy. And physically, our bodies are tired of all the stress, it's evident from the lack of peaceful sleep, headaches and muscle tension.

It's easy to feel like we're the only one fighting the waves, but the truth is, we're not alone. Each and every one of us is dealing with their own worries, trying to find a way in the sea of uncertainty. One thing that remains constant in times like these is taking immediate care of ourselves and others. I know it is a difficult task to prioritise yourself amid the chaos but a little effort will certainly make a big difference.

Whether it's taking a few moments to breathe deeply, reaching out to a friend for support, or keeping yourself engaged in a self-care routine, every act of self-care is like a bright light at the end of a dark tunnel.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the art of self-care, some common ways to love ourselves and practical techniques to nourish our mental, emotional, and physical health.

The State of Our World: A Closer Look at the Challenges We Face

Let's start by addressing the harsh reality of the world we live in. The past few years have been dramatic in terms of societal disturbance, political tension, and humanitarian crises. From the ongoing conflict in Palestine, where innocent lives are lost daily, to the prevalent sense of distress by the global pandemic, it's no secret many of us feel anxious, and extremely helpless. .

The collective psyche of individuals has taken a major hit because of all these triggers. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide have soared in present times giving a clear insight on the state of our mental health. On top of this, the after effects of the pandemic has left us with feelings of isolation and loneliness, leaving many of us feeling more disconnected from one another

The effects of these disturbing events are more far fetched, touching every aspect of our lives. Mentally, many of us are restless, ready to explode at any opportunity. Emotionally, we are drained, trying to find happiness between madness. And physically, our bodies bear the burn of  stress.

It is clear that something needs to change. We cannot turn blind eye and let challenges take a toll on our health, nor we can wait for the world to steady itself. It is high time to take matters in our own hands and prioritise ourselves like never before.

Self-Care: A Necessity for Well-Being

Most people think of Self-care as luxury, not very common and very difficult to practise. Even if they indulge in an activity the guilt afterwards is very heavy. In reality, self-care is essential to maintain your overall health. It's about recognizing your own needs and doing something when life throws lemon at you.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with over 264 million people affected. In times of crisis, our mental health suffers  more than ever.

The Power of Self-Care in Challenging Times

Most commonly we tend to prioritise needs of others over our own to prevent ourselves from feeling guilty, which is not wrong but mind it self-care is not a luxury reserved for the privileged, it is a fundamental human need. When we neglect our own needs, we become less receptive. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup. It is crucial to show up for yourself to be able to contribute to others.

Repeat after me; I Deserve to Be Happy

YES, YES ,You definitely deserve to be happy, healthy, and whole. You deserve to prioritise your own well-being without guilt or shame.

Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul with Health Practices

So, how you can nurture yourself during the ongoing crises. The answer lies in adopting a holistic approach to self-care. One that caters to the needs of your mind, body, and soul. Here are some practical ways to get you started:

1. Prioritise Mental Health

• Tune out the noise in your mind. Practice meditation, deep breathing exercises or simply live in the present moment. Leaving the worries behind.
• Don’t hesitate from asking for support whether from friends and peers or from a therapist. Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. It takes great courage to confide in others.
• Creating boundaries is healthy for your body and soul. Most people feel shy to say no and regret later.Learn to say no to things that drain your energy and yes to things that nourish your soul.

2. Nurture Emotional Well-Being

• Bottling up feelings inside drains the soul. Try to channel your feelings through journaling, dancing, yoga, or talking to your favourite person.
• Do something that makes you happy even if it means getting a bar of chocolate or a cup of coffee for yourself. This will result in contentment and positive energy.
• Practising gratitude goes a long way. Say thanks for blessings each day it will shift your perspective and release a sense of relief and joy.

3. Care for Your Physical Health

• Move your body. Does not matter if it's a 10 min walk, swimming or a cardio workout. Being active is crucial. It not only keeps you healthy but also elevates your mood.
• What goes inside shows on the outside. Therefore, fuel your body with healthy food. But don’t forget to indulge yourself occasionally with a snack of your choice to keep yourself happy.
• Sleeping for 7-8 hours at night is beneficial for health. Try to maintain your sleep schedule to wake up fresh, ready to take challenges with open arms.

The Power of Connection: Building Resilience Through Community

Finally, let's not forget the power of connection. Extend your hand to those needing support while not shying away to ask help for yourself. By staying together as a community, we can withstand any storm, and grow stronger than ever.

Embrace Self-Care Now, You Won’t Regret Later

Self-care isn't a luxury but a necessity, especially in times of chaos and uncertainty. Prioritise  mental, emotional, and physical health to not only improve the quality of your life but also of individuals associated with you. Therefore, I urge you to love yourself by exercising self care,indulging in healthy activities and creating a positive vibe and energy in your life and others.