At such a time when people are still grappling with the effects (both mental and physical) of the coronavirus pandemic, it is rendered important to take care of one’s wellbeing as far as their health and mental wellness is concerned. Although prioritising self-care may sound like common sense, experts say it’s often ignored especially when a person finds themselves in challenging situations such as a financial crisis, job loss, divorce, or, in our current situation-the COVID-19 pandemic. What’s good with self-care is that it does not have to cost you, and the best part is that one can even pursue it in the convenience of their own home. Dr Celestine Karangwa, a physiotherapist at TCM Technology Clinic in Remera-Kigali says self-care is an important activity to do every day. This he says has potential to create balance among dimensions of wellness, eventually leading towards an overall improved health. He however cites that self-care is all about the individual and that what works for one person may not work for another. Understanding self-care Self-care is defined by the term itself – caring for yourself. It includes anything you do to keep yourself healthy – physically, mentally, and spiritually. Karangwa points out that if one creates time for this important aspect in their lives, it comes with lots of health benefits including relieving the pressures of everyday life and resetting yourself to get back to a healthy point where productivity is once again maximised. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimise frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more. From a physical health perspective, Karangwa says self-care has been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Physical health is a core part of self-care. The body and the mind have a unique connection, and its difficult to be in high spirits when you are not feeling good about your body. Research has shown that regular exercise increases the level of serotonin in our body significantly improving mood and energy. When exercising for self-care, Janvier Rusizana a general practitioner at La Nouvelle Clinic, Kigali says one should always choose an activity they love. It could be a regular run, brisk walking, swimming, or just about any other thing that makes you feel alive. He says that one derives extra fulfilment from doing what they love, and it is the love that encourages persistence even when it seems hard for one to find time for it. Sylvester Twizerimana, a psychologist working in Rubavu District says when we talk of self-care, it includes also taking care of emotions, which he says is another important aspect of staying healthy. How to go about that; he says, one can take their time to talk to someone, reflect, read, work out, listen to music or simply watch something that suits the mood. “When you take time to take care of yourself, it increases self-awareness, which can benefit everyone and most especially those who are living with mental illness. Practicing self-awareness can help you to recognise patterns in your emotions, including events or situations that can trigger worsened symptoms,” he says. Twizerimana also terms social life as part of self-care and that people should learn and adopt this activity for their own benefits. “Socialising not only pushes away feelings of loneliness but also, it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer,” he says.
