Eliud Muriithi, Director Commercial Services, KEMSA/HANDOUT
In today’s fast-paced and
demanding world, mental health has become just as important as physical health.
Pressures from work, family responsibilities, societal expectations, financial
concerns, and constant digital connectivity can gradually take a toll on our
emotional and psychological well-being.
Self-care is not a luxury or an act of
selfishness; it is a deliberate and essential practice that helps individuals
maintain balance, resilience, and overall mental wellness.
What is self-care?
Self-care refers to the
intentional actions people take to care for their mental, emotional, physical,
and social health. It involves recognising personal needs, setting healthy
boundaries, and engaging in activities that restore energy and reduce stress.
Importantly, self-care is personal—what works for one person may not work for
another—and it evolves over time as life circumstances change.
Self-care is not selfish;
it is a necessary part of staying healthy and resilient. It can include simple,
everyday actions such as getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, setting
boundaries, managing stress, seeking support, and taking time to recharge
emotionally and mentally.
Simply put, self-care
enables us to stay well, cope better, and support others effectively.
Self-Care and Its Impact on
Mental Health
Practising self-care plays
a critical role in preventing burnout, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
When individuals neglect their own needs, emotional exhaustion can build up,
affecting concentration, decision-making, relationships, and productivity.
Regular self-care helps regulate emotions, improve self-esteem, strengthen
coping skills, and enhance one’s ability to manage life’s challenges.
Moreover, self-care
supports early recognition of mental health concerns. By regularly checking in
with oneself, it becomes easier to notice changes in mood, energy levels, or
behaviour and seek support before issues escalate.
Core Dimensions of
Self-Care
1. Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care involves acknowledging feelings without judgment and
finding healthy ways to express them. This may include journaling, talking to a
trusted friend, practising gratitude, or engaging in creative activities such
as music or art. Allowing yourself to feel and process emotions—rather than
suppressing them—builds emotional resilience and self-awareness.
2. Physical Self-Care
The connection between the body and mind is strong. Adequate sleep, balanced
nutrition, regular physical activity, and hydration significantly influence
mental wellbeing. Exercise, even in simple forms like walking, stretching, or
gardening, releases endorphins that reduce stress and improve mood.
Prioritising rest and listening to your body are also key aspects of physical
self-care.
3. Psychological and Mental
Self-Care
Mental self-care focuses on maintaining a healthy relationship with your
thoughts. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, deep-breathing exercises,
and limiting negative self-talk can help manage anxiety and improve focus.
Taking breaks from constant news consumption and social media can also protect
mental clarity and reduce overwhelm.
4. Social Self-Care
Human connection is a powerful protective factor for mental health. Nurturing
supportive relationships, spending quality time with loved ones, and seeking a
sense of belonging all contribute to emotional well-being. At the same time,
social self-care includes setting boundaries with relationships that are
draining or unhealthy.
5. Spiritual and
Purpose-Oriented Self-Care
For many people, spirituality or a sense of purpose provides comfort, meaning,
and inner peace. This may involve prayer, meditation, reflection, volunteering,
or connecting with nature. Engaging in activities that align with personal
values helps foster hope and a sense of direction.
Navigating Obstacles to
Self-Care
Despite its importance,
many people struggle to practice self-care due to guilt, time constraints, or
cultural expectations that prioritize productivity over wellbeing. Reframing
self-care as a responsibility rather than an indulgence is essential. Small,
consistent actions—such as taking a few minutes to breathe deeply or stepping
away from work briefly—can have a meaningful impact.
Workplaces and communities
also play a role by promoting environments that support mental wellbeing,
encourage work-life balance, and reduce stigma around mental health.
Beyond Self-Care: When to
Seek Professional Help
While self-care is a
powerful tool, it is not a substitute for professional help when someone is
experiencing significant mental health challenges. Seeking support from a
counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional is
a sign of strength, not weakness. Self-care and professional care work best
when combined.
Self-care and professional
support are not mutually exclusive; they work best together. When self-care is
complemented by appropriate clinical or psychosocial support, individuals are
better positioned to recover, heal, and regain a sense of stability and
wellbeing.
Conclusion
Self-care for mental health and wellbeing is a deliberate
practice that promotes balance, resilience, and a better quality of life. By
addressing emotional, physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs,
individuals are better equipped to thrive and support others in demanding
environments.
Eliud Muriithi, Director Commercial
Services, KEMSA
Eliud was overwhelming nominated the Star
Person of Year 2025 for Mental Health Advocacy
