Self-care

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Self-care refers to the activities and practices that are done voluntarily by an individual to promote their own health and well-being. Self-care can include a variety of activities, such as physical exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as "the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider". This definition emphasizes the importance of self-care in maintaining overall health and well-being, and in managing chronic diseases and conditions.

Types of Self-Care[edit | edit source]

There are several types of self-care, including:

  • Physical self-care: This involves activities that improve physical health, such as regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep.
  • Emotional self-care: This involves activities that help manage and reduce stress, such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness.
  • Social self-care: This involves activities that foster connections with others, such as spending time with friends and family, or participating in social activities.
  • Intellectual self-care: This involves activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading, learning a new skill, or pursuing a hobby.
  • Spiritual self-care: This involves activities that nurture the spirit, such as prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature.

Importance of Self-Care[edit | edit source]

Self-care is important for maintaining overall health and well-being. It can help prevent disease, manage chronic conditions, and improve quality of life. Self-care can also help individuals cope with stress and improve mental health.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Self-care Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD