It is easy to get caught up in our everyday tasks and forget to care for ourselves and our mental well-being. Proper self-care is giving your body and mind what it needs through healthy and sustainable methods. Supporting your emotional and physical well-being is very important in an age where we are told to go go go with no brakes and keep hustling until we get to the top. Taking time for ourselves and keeping our minds and bodies healthy should be one of our number one concerns because it will help us succeed in all areas of our life. Here are some reasons that self-care is essential.

Self-care is important because you are! Engaging in self-care routines by keeping your stress low and staying healthy can help you to comprehend your worth. Self-care is not just about keeping your body healthy, but also your mind and attitude. All of these things can help to boost your overall self-esteem.

Proper self-care helps to promote a healthy work-life balance. By trying to take mental breaks from your daily routine, whether that includes a quick stroll around the office or sitting outside for a few moments, you allow your mind and body to reset and tackle your next project with renewed vigor. It is also essential that you keep work at work and refrain from bringing it home with you.

Actively taking care of yourself will help you be more available and able to take care of those around you. There is a common saying that you can’t love others unless you love yourself. Even more, you can’t properly care for others unless you care for yourself. Without keeping up with your mental and physical health, you can quickly burn out.

Burnout is a typical reaction that your mind and body has when you work it too hard for too long. Consistently taking care of your mental and physical well-being can help prevent you from experiencing the adverse side effects of too much stress. Avoiding burnout can help you to stay focused and face each task with a clear mind.

True self-care should not be treated as a reward for doing something that is especially difficult. Instead, it should be a consistent part of your routine. Self-care is vital because you deserve it! Don’t miss opportunities to treat your body and mind the way that they need and deserve to be treated.

Herrick Lipton is the CEO of New Horizon Counseling Center in New York and is also an advocate for mental health. For more information about Herrick or to get in touch with New Horizon Counseling Center for resources, please visit nhcc.usor call 718-845-2620.