The importance of self-care in everyday life
Bradley McEwen | PhD , MHSc ( Hum Nutr ), MPH , BHSc , AdvDipNat , DBM , DNutr , DSM , Fellow ATMS , Naturopath Nutritionist , and Mentor . Adjunct Senior Lecturer , Faculty of Health , Southern Cross University .
Abstract
Self-care encompasses various health-related practices individuals undertake to enhance and sustain their general health and wellness . The development of an individual ’ s self-care routines is influenced by numerous changeable and unchangeable factors , as well as various obstacles and challenges . Self-care is supported by essential nutrients ( such as vitamins , minerals , and water ), herbal medicines , and lifestyle medicine . The practice of selfcare holds significance in daily life , and health professionals , such as naturopaths and nutritionists , are instrumental in educating individuals about self-care practices and offering continuous support .
Introduction
Self-care is a dynamic multidimensional concept that encompasses a variety of health-related practices that individuals participate in to maintain their overall health and wellbeing . 1 It is not a linear process or straightforward path . 2 Self-care is a fundamental aspect of health promotion , as it involves the decisions and actions taken by individuals to address health issues and enhance their overall health . 1 Self-care is important at all stages of life and health status 3 and is necessary and essential for improving quality of life , 2 , 4-8 restoring and improving health and wellbeing , 2 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 9 , 10 minimising disease complications , 2 , 6 , 7 and prevention of disease . 3 Other positive effects of self-care are decreased morbidity , 8 , 9 decreased hospitalisations , 2 , 3 , 8 reduced mortality , 2 , 3 , 8 , 9 and lowered healthcare expenses . 2 , 3 , 7 , 9 Encouraging patients to engage in self-care practices can enhance their ability to carry out daily tasks more efficiently . 2
There is a variety of factors , barriers , and challenges ( both modifiable and unmodifiable ) that have a substantial impact on the development of an individual ’ s self-care routines , 3 such as multiple chronic health conditions , 11 depression , 1 , 4 , 11-14 lack or absence of family support , 1 , 4 , 8 , 14 low confidence , 2 , 5 economic burden , 7 , 15 and the concurrent use of multiple medications ( polypharmacy ), 11 among others .
Self-care involves a symphony and synergy of nutrition , herbal medicine , physical activity , meditation , sleep , and nature , among others . Elements of selfcare are illustrated in Figure 1 . Vitamins and minerals play various roles in energy metabolism , cell signalling , nervous system function , 16 , 17 as antioxidants , in immune health , 17 hormone metabolism , 17 blood health and bone homeostasis , 17 cell membrane , cell signalling , coagulation , mineralisation of bone , 23 synthesis of ATP , DNA , and RNA , muscle health , nerve transmission , 17 gene expression , 17 and signal transduction 17 , and have anti-inflammatory properties . 17-22 Herbal medicines have numerous actions in supporting self-care , such as cognitive , 24 , 25 sleep-promoting , 26 anti-inflammatory , 26-29 antioxidant , 30-33 antidepressant , 34 anxiolytic , 34-42 improving mood , 43-45 and modulating immunity 31-33 properties . Lifestyle medicine , such as physical activity , meditation , adequate sleep , and exposure
144 | vol30 | no3 | JATMS