By Naadiya Adams

Intuitive Wellness coach Ursula Patel says self-care is as important as breathing.

At its most basic level, self-care is any activity that we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook.

Speaking to Radio Islam, Patel describes how self-care is a practice we should learn early on in life; healthy self-care habits that we foster as young minds will serve us as we grow into adulthood and become second nature.

“Self-care is about self-love and self-respect, and these values must be taught to the individual at an early age,” says Patel.

Self-care has a vast range of facets; physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social and may even extend to practical and professional self-care. Though multi-faceted, they are all connected.

Patel says simple practices like making your bed or spring cleaning your home daily could be a form of physical self-care, the key however lies in maintaining a positive clear mind in doing your daily routine.

Power of the mind and high energy vibrations sit at the foot of Patel’s teachings, emphasising that physical activities that charge your body positively feed your mind, body and soul.

Patel mentions various mind and meditation exercises that could assist with clarity of mind, citing salaah as one of the best ways to achieve that clarity.

“Stress originates from an agitated mind, so if you monitor your thoughts and feelings and … if you are experiencing low vibratory feelings; anger, resentment, selfishness, pride, envy, jealousy, then examine your current situation.”

According to Patel, bad memories are one of the major causes of stress and depression. She says once you have realised the cause and the root of your negative emotions, you then need to find a way to release those feelings and forgive what may have caused it – though it may be a process.

Self-care is accomplished through a daily routine, Patel says that should include expressing gratitude through journaling, a practice she herself has adopted.

“Go on a gratitude rampage, and just bless and be thankful for everything that hits your senses,” she says.

Expressing gratitude regularly is scientifically proven to positively charge your mind.

For more information visit: https://speakingmyf.co.za

Listen to the full interview with Ursula Patel here: