These days, self-care is more important than ever. With everything going on the world, it’s crucial that we take time out to focus on our well-being, on our bodies, and on our happiness in the moment. Experts have written volumes on the value of a self-care routine. Making sure you take time to take care of yourself has been proven to improve energy, focus, productivity, and happiness, and to reduce stress and anxiety. It can even help with depression.

While a massage, a mani/pedi, or a facial might seem self-indulgent, think about it this way: You take your car in for regular oil changes, but you’re not “indulging” your car by taking care of it! You’re making sure it runs its best so it’s reliable and can be there for you when you need it. Same thing with your phone: You’re not indulging it by charging it! By taking care of your body and mind, you’re making sure you can be there for yourself and for others when you’re needed. In fact, if the term “self-care” sounds a little too self-indulgent, why not call it “preventative maintenance?”

The benefits of self-care: Living in the modern world means we all get a little too much hustle and bustle in our lives and not enough stillness, peace, and joy. There’s always so much going on in our lives, isn’t there? We’re all so busy with work, with our social lives and commitments, and with our kids, spouses, and parents. That’s a lot already, without adding in chores, repairs, to-do lists, and medical appointments. With all that, how much time do you really get to devote to “just you?”

Do you have a self-care routine? Obviously, the definition of self-care is different for everyone. Whether your self-care is a bubble bath, a trip to the library, a massage, or a walk in nature, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. Research has shown that a lack of self-care can lead to a whole host of problems, physical, mental, and emotional, and that the presence of self-care leads to untold benefits.

Productivity: Self-care can improve focus, mental health, and physical health. A monthly massage along with ten minutes of stretching a day can make you more comfortable sitting in your work chair, for instance. It’s not just about work. If you’re less stressed, healthier, and happier, you’ll be able to focus better on your leisure time, too. You’ll have more energy for making those scrapbooks, doing crafts with the grandkids, or spending time with your spouse. Whatever brings you joy, you’ll be able to appreciate it more when you’re cared for.

It boosts your immune system. Ever notice how your phone and computer update when you’ve plugged them in to charge? Human being have a similar mechanism. The Parasympathetic Nervous System, or PNS, signals to your body that it’s time to restore, to rest, to reactivate. Self-care helps activate this system, boosting your body’s ability to heal itself. Supplements, healthy eating, and exercise aren’t a substitute for actual rest. Give yourself some rest!

You’ll have more to give. An exercise routine gives us more energy for life, work, playing with the kids, and everything else. So does a self-care routine! We just talked about updating our devices, so let’s think about charging them. Ever notice how a fully charged phone lasts so much longer than one that’s even mostly full, at 75%? You can use the 75% charged phone, but for less time and for fewer things. Ever get stuck in the rut of putting your phone down to charge 1-2% and never receiving the comfort and benefits of a full charge? Now think about your body. What’s your charge percentage? What would it take to get you up to 100%? Have you been getting sips of energy here and there, 1-2%, when what you really need is a full charge?

You feel better (and look better). Think about that fresh-haircut feel, or that post-massage glow. Simply feeling good inside will make you prettier than any makeup ever could. Did you know that the act of smiling actually signals to your body that you’re happy instead of the other way around? Try it! Smiling on purpose can be a great first step to turning a foul mood around. Now try to remember the last time you put a smile on your face without having to think about it. Was it the last time you made time for yourself? Remember the joy of seeing your hair swing in a fresh, luscious way, the joy of a fun new manicure, or the joy of that dang crick in your neck feeling better for a while.

Types of self care:

  • Sleep. People skimp on it. Don’t! Turn off the TV, put your phone down, and get your rest. The world will be there tomorrow, and you’ll be better able to deal with it if you’re rested.
  • Taking a bath. Showers are great and efficient, but nothing beats a bath when it comes to relaxing.
  • Meditation. Meditation doesn’t have to be a whole big woo thing with chimes and bells. Sitting in a comfortable chair for five minutes is perfect. Not sure where to start? There are a lot of apps out there that will help, from Headspace to free YouTube meditations. Even Peloton has meditations along with workouts!
  • Staying off social media. We all love social media for pictures of our kids and friends, but it can also lead to anxiety, fear of missing out, loneliness, and political arguments. Do yourself a favor and limit your time!
  • Devoting time to your interests and hobbies. Birds make nests. Cats make mischief. Humans make creative items. It’s worthwhile to do what you were made to do in whatever creative way it manifests!
  • And don’t forget to pamper yourself. A brow wax, a massage, new nails, a facial, a cute haircut: All these little benefits of being human are available to you at salons in Lawton, such as Salons de Beauté, where you can choose a health and beauty professional from our amazing list or independent providers. Make an appointment and start feeling better about…

Salons de Beauté is a salon-suites community for health and beauty pros in Lawton, OK. Our Salon Directory lists contact information for each of the service providers, so whatever you need, follow the link to make an appointment with one of them today. Come see some of the best salon professionals in Lawton, Oklahoma!