Self-care has become a popular topic these days, both online and offline. Grind culture may be one thing, but more and more people are realizing that taking a break, healing, and making sure everything is okay are important to achieving your goals and being the best you can be.
People generally view self-care as something luxurious and sophisticated. But it’s just about doing things that make you feel good and healthy every day. This can range from exercising to taking a nap or relaxing. Self-care includes all aspects of your health: physical, mental and emotional.
Taking care of yourself is important; Southstar Drug and Maxicare know this well. They are champions of health and wellness and want you to have a self-care plan. This way you can learn what your body wants and needs, what it is good at and what it is not. Having a plan means being proactive about taking care of yourself and staying on top of your health.
According to Saps Uttam, life coach and clinical inner child therapist, prioritizing your health is the ultimate form of self-love and self-respect. “Your health should be your top priority. It becomes easier to maintain healthy habits and stay motivated to pursue a healthier lifestyle when you prioritize self-care,” she says.
Dr. Art C. Libao, Maxicare’s chief medical officer, also agrees that it is much better to take precautionary measures to prevent a disease than to treat it. “Regular exercise, a healthy diet, relaxation techniques and regular checkups are all superior to maintenance medications. Poorly managed blood pressure can lead to complications such as heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening conditions, but these risks can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices,” he emphasizes.
Build a Self-Care Plan
Now that you understand the importance of taking care of yourself, it’s time to start making your plan. Take a moment to think about your current habits and evaluate how they affect your overall health. Consider all aspects of your wellbeing and identify areas that need improvement. From there, commit to adding healthier habits to your daily routine, like eating more vegetables and engaging in relaxing activities to help manage stress.
As you embark on your self-care journey, you may encounter challenges that could disrupt your progress. These can include poor time management, limited resources, and unexpected life events. Make sure you’re always prepared by listing potential scenarios and planning how to handle them. Consistency is key to maintaining your self-care plan, but remember to follow it at your own pace, one day at a time.
“Love yourself and have compassion for yourself. This journey starts with you because you matter and you are worth it. Once you show up, being there for others will come naturally. There is nothing more meaningful in this world than helping others. Never forget that it all starts with you,” emphasizes Uttam.
Southstar Drug and Maxicare have joined forces to host the 12th annual Run for Wellness to support consumers on their journey to a healthier, happier life. This running event aims to promote the physical health and mental well-being of Filipinos. The two legs of Run for Wellness, held in Quezon City and Naga City, attracted more than 7,000 participants, including seasoned runners, first-timers, children, families and individuals from diverse backgrounds who took the first step to live their best life.
Dr Libao says running can have a positive impact on health by strengthening the heart, improving blood circulation and helping to create healthier habits.
“Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the stress hormone, which may explain why people often feel better after playing tennis, golf, or taking a brisk walk. It stimulates the release of endorphins, thereby enhancing positive feelings that can encourage individuals to continue exercising,” he says.
By offering numerous essential healthcare products and world-class healthcare services, Southstar Drug and Maxicare aim to be reliable companions, “Kasama sa Best Life,” for Filipinos.
