Self care is basically the individual practice of healthcare management without the help of a qualified medical practitioner. It is an essential component of healthy living that promotes positive life style and self-reliance. In healthcare, self-care is any human regulatory activity that is under individual control, planned and self-initiated for the purpose of maintaining quality of life and health. It involves making choices about one’s own health, with an emphasis on what will have the greatest beneficial impact on the person’s physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual well-being.
The concept of self-care has been the subject of much debate over the years, with differing definitions given by different sources. Some people refer to self-care as the total opposite of selfishness, while others use the term in a more generic sense to include any governmental regulation related to assisting the average citizen in managing his or her health. The World Health Organization defines self care as participation in active health promotion through informed decisions and healthy practices.
According to the government’s Health and Social Service Direction, the following is a list of some of the common things you can do to promote good health and well-being: * Develop a regular daily routine that can include relaxation and stretching exercises, good eating habits, regular exercise and adequate sleep. * Make sure that you get enough sleep and eat well, so that you maintain your energy levels. * Practice good hygiene, such as cleaning and treating your teeth regularly. * Make an effort to manage stress and improve your well being * Participate in social activities, such as clubs and groups, as well as keeping active socially and physically * Give priority to helping others, rather than having a pursuit that is self-serving.
According to the UK Department of Health, self care includes giving yourself a break from personal problems and work pressure when you are affected by illness or injury that interferes with your work or normal lifestyle. Self-care can mean attending a support group for emotional and mental wellbeing, taking part in physical exercise, reading, or listening to music. Self-care can also mean setting up a timetable to maintain health and fitness, maintaining friendships, joining a religious or other community support group, developing hobbies or joining activities aimed at achieving a sense of achievement and improving personal relationships. The UK department of Health highlights the fact that self-care can be a valuable contribution to reducing the impact of illness on your life, especially in the early stages, helping you deal with it better.
The importance of self-care means you don’t have to go it alone. Your family, friends and colleagues will be there to give you encouragement and support. In addition, the support and help you receive during your time without illness will improve your work performance and help you avoid feeling down or losing interest in work. The return to work following illness is often much improved when you are fully focused on your recovery. If you do experience workplace burnout, talk to your employer about your feelings. You may be able to increase your workload or reduce your demands during your recovery.
If you do require illness or injury to stop working then self care should involve looking after yourself so you can keep going. You can choose between self-medication or self care. Self medication involves using over-the-counter drugs to treat symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, insomnia, dizziness, nausea and so on. However, these types of treatments are only recommended as short-term solutions because they can have unpleasant side effects and they can put you at risk of addiction. Therefore, if you are suffering from a long-term illness or injury, you should talk to your GP or an occupational therapist about the option of self-medication or self care.
Self-care can also involve promoting healthy people’s behaviours. It is necessary to practice these behaviours at least two times a week – once in the morning before you eat your breakfast and again before you go to bed at night. Examples of healthy people behaviours include: cleaning up after yourself, maintaining a regular sleeping pattern, getting up and moving around every hour, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. It is important that you avoid unhealthy eating and drinking, as these behaviours are very difficult to give up.
A DMSRT referral link is provided within the informational document. This link can be accessed by health care professionals who require more detailed information. The link can also be accessed by individuals who would like to engage the services of a personal care worker. This is a very convenient way for individuals who would like to access the DMSRT online, without having to talk to a health professional first.