Life gives us the option to make choices, and the choices we make determine the result of our day. In health practices, different people adopt different approaches to determine changes over deficiency or deal with difficult diseases. While some people rely on health workers for assessment of their health, others do it themselves in what is called self-care approach. Self-care practice is gaining popularity both as a preventive and palliative measures.
World Health Organization, defines Self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health and cope with illness and disability without the support of a health worker.
Self-care is an important part of life that is often overlooked. It is the practice of taking care of one’s physical, mental and emotional health particularly, through regular self-activities that promote health and happiness. Examples include: exercise, good nutrition, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and practicing mindfulness or meditation.
At RedAid Nigeria, self-care practice is promoted especially among staff and clients. The importance is always highlighted during periodic staff meetings while the organization’s clients such as persons affected by Leprosy, Buruli Ulcer and other NTDs are always given orientation on self-care. Family members, friends, and health care workers play supportive roles in self-care promotion.
Self-care recognizes individuals as active agents in managing their health. It places responsibility on persons to prioritize and engage in activities that promote one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. The practice of self-care takes about 15-20 minutes to carry out. All the essential tools such as: chair, boots, music box water, bowl, moisturizing gel, soap, and sponge are provided, depending on the type of self-care and rules adhere to. There is no doubt that self-care improves physical and mental well-being. It boosts mood and it is a factor in stress management. Self-care is a healthy habit that enhances one’s mood and leads to self-fulfillment. It increases resilience and ability to cope with challenges and helps prevent burn-out as well as maintain healthy balance.
This piece of work aims at sensitizing all and sundry to the importance of self-care practice. Everyone is called to action in order to create a healthier future, where investment in self-care is a sine qua non and not an option.