Self Care Is Also Healthcare

Take care of yourself, period!

Everything else is additional commentary. I always say that we own only one thing in life; our body and its health. That's why taking care of yourself is the only way you can get to enjoy every other thing you have. Proper self care improves overall health, helps in managing chronic diseases, prevents disease exacerbations and ultimately prolongs life.

We live in a fast-paced society and self-care is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, it's crucial to understand that self-care is not just about indulgence but is vital for maintaining overall health and well-being. This blog post delves into how self-care can be viewed as a form of healthcare, especially concerning autoimmune diseases and the significant influence of emotional stress on these conditions.

What counts as Self Care?

Self care simply refers to the variety of activities that people undertake to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional health. These practices include:

• Regular exercise

• Healthy eating

• Meditation and mindfulness

• Quality sleep

• Social connections

• Therapeutic hobbies

Each of these activities helps to reduce stress and boost the body’s healing and regenerative power. Reducing stress therefore shouldn't be seen only from the perspective of physical stress as emotional and psychological stress is even more dangerous to our long term health.

And truly, emotional and psychological stress is what most of us struggle with. It could be potentially dangerous for your health and the long term effects are far reaching.

The Link Between Emotions and Autoimmune Diseases

Recent research suggests that those who bottle up emotions and stay psychologically stressed over long periods of time go on to develop autoimmune diseases, especially women.

Autoimmune diseases arise when the body's immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues for attacks and destruction. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are examples of such disorders. Increasing research demonstrates that emotional well-being significantly affects the management and progression of these diseases. Even though stress isn't the main or sole cause of these conditions, stress plays a significant role in their progression and/or management.

A study in the journal Autoimmunity Reviews suggests that stress can heighten inflammation, potentially aggravating autoimmune conditions (Miller et al., 2009). The study emphasizes that chronic stress can disrupt immune function, leading to an increased inflammatory response, which is harmful to those with autoimmune disorders.

Additionally, there is a well-established link between depression and autoimmune diseases. Research in Psychosomatic Medicine found that depression can adversely affect disease activity in patients with autoimmune disorders (Katon, 2003). This connection implies that managing emotional health through self-care practices is crucial for those with autoimmune diseases.

The Role of Self-Care in Managing Autoimmune Diseases

Incorporating self-care practices can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with autoimmune diseases. Here are some beneficial self-care strategies:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can alleviate stress and enhance emotional regulation, possibly reducing disease flare-ups.

• Physical Activity: Regular exercise can decrease inflammation and enhance overall physical and mental health.

• Nutrition: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can bolster immune function and alleviate symptoms.

• Social Support: Strong social connections can offer emotional support and lessen feelings of isolation.

A report from the Journal of Clinical Psychology indicates that those who practice self-care report lower stress levels and better health outcomes (Cohen et al., 2007). This underscores the notion that self-care is a vital aspect of healthcare, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions.

Conclusion

So dear friends, self care is not merely a luxury; it is a fundamental component of healthcare. Integrating self care practices into your daily routines can lead to better health outcomes, reduced stress, and an enhanced sense of well-being.

Ultimately, it empowers you to manage your health more effectively and improve your quality of life. For more information on self-care and autoimmune diseases, consider consulting our professionals who can assist in creating a personalized self-care plan.

References

• Miller, A. H., et al. (2009). "Cytokine dysregulation and immune dysfunction in depression." Autoimmunity Reviews.

• Katon, W. (2003). "Clinical and health services research: The relationship between depression and chronic illness." Psychosomatic Medicine.

• Cohen, S., et al. (2007). "Psychological stress and disease." Journal of Clinical Psychology.