As Valentine's Day approaches, it serves as a gentle reminder that love encompasses more than just romantic relationships. Engaging in self-care practices extends beyond mere pampering; it nurtures our physical and emotional well-being, enhances our mood, resilience, stress management, and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses.
In line with Abu Dhabi 360’s ethos, self-care should be integrated into our daily lives through small but meaningful actions. These practices help us stay energised, fulfilled, and ready to support others. As John Bromley, a Public Health Consultant working closely with the initiative, aptly puts it, "Sustainable self-care is about creating moments within each day, week, month, season, and year to nurture our mind, body, and soul, leading to a healthier and more joyful life."
In case you need some inspiration, five of Abu Dhabi 360’s third-party experts have compiled the following tips for treating yourself kindly, because self-care is an ongoing journey — and it looks a little bit different for everyone:
Designate Weekly Self-Care Time:
Certified Nutritionist, Dr. Mona Mobarak shares her weekly ritual of dedicating Sundays to plan and prepare for self-care activities. She emphasises, "On Sunday afternoons, I like to tackle certain tasks so I’m mentally prepared for the week. Planning and cooking healthy meals for my family or scheduling my workouts make me feel less overwhelmed."
Quick Tip: Use a planner or calendar to schedule specific self-care activities for the upcoming week. This proactive approach helps in prioritising self-care and ensures that essential tasks are incorporated into your routine.
Cultivate Social Connections:
Dr. Haseeb Rohilla, a Specialist Psychiatrist, emphasises the importance of nurturing social connections to alleviate stress and combat feelings of isolation. He advises, "Social support is a powerful buffer against stress and anxiety. Spending time with people who care about you can help you feel more connected and less isolated.”
Quick Tip: Make a conscious effort to schedule regular social activities with friends or family members. Whether it's a weekly video call, a coffee date, or a group exercise class, prioritise interactions that nurture your relationships and well-being.
Begin the Day with a Morning Walk:
Chief Podiatrist at Dubai Podiatry Centre, Dr. Michelle Champlin suggests incorporating a morning walk into your routine, especially if you're working long hours. She highlights, “Whether I'm working from home or in the office, starting my day with a morning walk not only helps me stay physically active but also provides a mental break and a chance to reconnect with nature.”
Quick Tip: Set a designated time each morning for your walk and stick to it. Whether it's a brisk stroll around your neighbourhood or a leisurely nature hike, starting your day with movement can boost energy levels and improve focus throughout the day.
Explore New Exercise Regimens:
Fitness Coach, Futtaim Beljaflah recommends diversifying your exercise routine to avoid monotony and reignite motivation. She advises, "As a RIDE instructor, I eagerly anticipate each class, always striving to create different themes from music to workouts, knowing that my attendees will leave feeling uplifted and energised, just as I do."
Quick Tip: When trying out a new exercise regimen, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity or frequency over time. Listen to your body and give yourself permission to rest when needed. Celebrate your progress and focus on how the activity makes you feel, both physically and mentally.
Integrate Mindful Workouts:
Rola Ghaddar, a Certified Yoga Instructor, encourages incorporating mindfulness into workouts for enhanced mental and physical benefits. She shares, "Yoga serves as a grounding practice that benefits both my mind and body, allowing me to find inner peace while connecting with others in the community."
Quick Tip: Practice mindfulness during your workouts by focusing on your breath and body sensations. Take breaks to check in with yourself mentally and emotionally. Remember that it's okay to modify poses or movements to suit your comfort level and needs.
Nurture Personal Self-Care Rituals:
All Abu Dhabi 360 experts agree that when you look good, you feel good. Set aside regular time for self-care activities that leave you feeling empowered and rejuvenated. As they collectively advise, "Self-care is well worth carving out the time for. It’s important to take care of yourself to be able to do the things you need and want."
Quick Tip: Create a self-care routine that reflects your unique preferences and needs. Whether it's a daily skincare ritual, a weekly spa night, or a monthly hobby or activity, prioritise activities that replenish your energy and nurture your well-being.
Download the Abu Dhabi 360 app for more guides and resources for a well-rounded approach to wellness.