SELF CARE

 

|| SELF CARE ||

 

I love this statement: 'Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what's left of you.' When a soldier prepares himself or herself, they have to undergo a lot of exams and a lot of training, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. It's intense training, and they have to have a stable mind and think rationally, as so many people's lives and responsibilities the country has given to them. If a soldier is given the responsibility to fly and demolish the enemies' area, and if their heart or body is not functioning well, the whole country will be in danger. All soldiers, in reaching their own dream destination of being there for their country, first have to take care of themselves. They not only have to build themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, but also need to be alert about themselves and about the critical situations around them. Regular exercises, continuous physical and mental training, self-care, and self-awareness are the basic requirements of their daily routine and their life. Soldiers are the ones who articulate, 'Let us know what we can do for our country,' and they do their best for the same. What about us? When will we say we are ready to give our best?

 

Self-care awareness comes from within. Parents give birth to a child; how much care they take themselves to prepare to nurture their own child and what precautions they take during the gestation period, both pre and post-delivery, is equally important. Some parents become too conscious, while some parents just don't bother about the whole journey of being a parent. I feel one must enjoy parenthood; when you bring out one more similar creature like you into this world, you need to handle it with care. We recently witnessed the Pran Pratistha Bal Swaroop of Lord Rama at Ayodhya. Now, to take care of our Lord and follow in the footsteps of the Lord, maintaining the dignity of our Lord, is in our hands. We believe in God when we truly have faith in Him and genuinely care, assuring that we will do our best, knowing that the Lord is around, so there is no need to worry. During the incarnation of Lord Krishna, Kansa was all set to kill Lord Krishna as soon as he was born, but Lord Krishna and his parents took the best care to ensure his survival and presence in this world to bring about a change.

 

My profession allows me to connect with many senior citizens who have difficulty hearing. There are numerous disciplined seniors who maintain a routine life. The way females dress in sarees is noteworthy – very neat, clean, and in tight attire with no creases in the saree visible. Their food habits and other day-to-day routines are so good that you can't imagine. One common thing I found in them is their unwavering faith in God. They pray with genuine devotion. I remember one aunt who used to say, 'When we pray, I also dress well because even my Lord will be happy that I take good care of myself, enabling me to take care of my Lord.' Wow! What a statement! If you want a clean environment around you, first, you need to remain clean.

I heard a speaker narrating about the most crucial thing needed for our day-to-day life. First, SAVE WATER, which is essential for our survival. Be careful while using water. Second, show respect to those who take care of plants for our food – our farmers. RESPECT FARMERS and try to help them in the best possible manner. Give importance to EDUCATION; go to villages and assist in educating people to become better human beings. Also, teach them about the digitalization of payments for their safety. KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN; fresh air will help you breathe better and work better. TRAVEL in your country first and boost your own economy so more people can take care of their families.

 

EACH ONE HELP ONE POOR FAMILY so that they also get a chance to grow economically. Physical health is equally important as mental health, so do REGULAR EXERCISES AND YOGA so that every individual can take better care of themselves and their families. It is said that the more fit you are, the better you can think of your future. I really admire the dedication of the people who designed the Ayodhya temple, ready by January 22nd, and due to their dedication, our leader felicitated them with flowers. So, more qualities that we should learn are to HAVE DISCIPLINE AND DEDICATION and, with that, be HUMBLE AND SHOW RESPECT (KINDNESS) for those who support you. Giving gratitude to hardworking people is real appreciation and respect for God as well.

 

Many times, patients come to us with hearing problems. Even though they have money, they don't feel like spending it on themselves. Some don't buy thinking it's an unnecessary expense; some deny it due to financial issues at home; some don't buy due to stigma, and others don't buy because they would have to borrow money from their children. Many times, we neglect certain issues like hearing, taking medicines on time, exercise, yoga, walking, and many more activities that keep us active. We need to take care of ourselves in every step of life. One of my clients just mentioned to me, 'I didn't do yoga or exercise in my younger days, and now I'm suffering from nerve numbness.' Care has to be taken at every step of life.

 

In addition to physical exercise and mental well-being, maintaining a healthy diet is paramount for overall health. Just as soldiers must undergo rigorous training to keep themselves fit, and parents take various precautions for the well-being of their children, paying attention to nutrition is a fundamental aspect of self-care. Seniors, with their disciplined routines, often exhibit healthy eating habits that contribute to their well-being. The nutrients we provide our bodies play a vital role in sustaining energy levels, enhancing cognitive functions, and supporting physical health. Educating ourselves and others about the importance of nutritional choices can lead to better health outcomes. A nutritious diet not only influences physical health but also has a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. By incorporating a discussion on nutrition into the narrative of self-care and holistic health, we underscore the interconnectedness of various aspects that contribute to a fulfilling and healthy life.

 

In alignment with the overarching theme of self-care and holistic well-being, the recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya offers a spiritual perspective on the importance of faith and cultural heritage. The dedication and discipline demonstrated by those involved in designing and completing the temple by January 22nd reflect qualities of commitment and devotion. Engaging with one's faith and cultural roots not only provides a sense of belonging but can also contribute to mental and emotional well-being. The inauguration of the Ram Mandir emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. Just as disciplined routines and faith practices are observed by senior citizens and individuals in various professions, participating in cultural and spiritual activities can add a meaningful layer to one's overall self-care routine. The Ram Mandir inauguration serves as a poignant example of how cultural and spiritual engagement can be woven into the fabric of self-care, fostering a sense of unity and purpose in the journey towards a healthy and fulfilling life.