In a year marked by the pandemic, self-care has become more important than ever, not only in terms of complying with health protocols to avoid Covid-19 infection, but also in terms of valuing affection and respecting emotions.

Add to that the fact that you're in the midst of marriage preparations, and you'll need to be at 100 percent. The key to getting there? Start cultivating self-care today. You'll see many benefits, both in the short term and for the rest of your life. Find out all the details about self-care below.

What is self-care

The concept of self-care is attributed to the American nurse, Dorothea Orem, who defined it as an active phenomenon in which a person uses reason to understand his or her state of health.

An introspective process that involves to observe, recognize, analyze and act consciously for a better well-being. However, self-care goes beyond taking care of illnesses, as it also encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and social self-care, among other topics. In other words, it is an integral concept that is different according to each human being. But not only that, as it also varies from day to day according to the moment, the context and the specific needs of each one of us.

What are your benefits

Self-care is a personal choice and no one but you will have the power to take action on it. You should just make sure that no matter what you do to take care of yourself, there must always be a balance That is, neither too much nor too little. Check out some of the benefits of this practice.

• Strengthens self-esteem When they become aware of what they need or what makes them happy, and get down to work, they will immediately feel more empowered, more confident, more in control of their lives and, as a result, they will boost their self-esteem. They will become more optimistic and their mood will even change.
• They will learn to know each other Practicing self-care requires thinking about and discovering how you can improve your well-being on different levels. It is an exercise that will help you to know yourself and to answer yourself honestly. For example, if you want to quit smoking, only you will know which method will be most effective for you.
• Improves productivity Self-care will make them more productive and efficient in the workplace or, really in any aspect, they will know how to ask for help when necessary, they will be clear about their priorities, and they will stimulate critical thinking, creativity and intellect. In addition, the mere fact of being healthy will make them perform better.
• Benefits group well-being If they set out to improve their self-care, there is no doubt that this will have an impact on their family group, work environment or friends. In other words, if a person is well, they will help those around them to be well too.
• Strengthens the love relationship And self-care will certainly help a couple become stronger, able to cope with any adversity.

In the run-up to the wedding

Although self-care is an exercise that should always be maintained, is particularly relevant in periods of high intensity. And if the burden is already heavy, planning a wedding in times of pandemic will add an extra difficulty. How many people can you invite? What are the protocols for the celebration? Will seniors be able to attend? What will happen if the communes go back on the Step by Step plan?

There are many issues that you will have to deal with along the way and face scenarios that were unknown until now. But the good news is that you will be able to get through any process with a good dose of self-care. Take note of the following tips to enjoy every stage of the wedding planning process.

• Healthy diet far from restrictive dieting or overeating out of anxiety, one way to take care of yourself properly is to acquire healthy habits that can be sustained over time. For example, drinking two to three liters of water a day; not skipping meals; increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables; incorporating whole grains and seeds; reducing red meats, fried foods, fats and sugars; and cutting back on fats, fats and sugars.This will not only improve your health and your figure, but will also give you more energy and help you combat stress.
• Physical Activity And if it's about releasing tension, there's nothing better than incorporating sport into their lives, which also provides other benefits, such as weight control and lowering blood pressure. Basically, it corresponds to a form of physical, mental and even social self-care, if they are inclined, for example, to group training.
• Good rest It's very important, however, that you get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep a day, and get your rest. Force yourself to do so.

• Meditation If you haven't done it so far, do not rule out self-care through meditation, because this practice, either through breathing techniques or contemplation, will allow you to reduce anxiety, enhance concentration and improve the ability to react, among other benefits.
• Moment of relaxation Improving the quality of life also involves those instances in which they can totally disconnect from the world and enjoy an intimate moment, either as a couple or alone. Taking a bath with aromatherapy will always be a good option. They will love to spend an afternoon trying different beauty treatments or they will not resist a good relaxing massage. To devote themselves to these matters isalso a form of self-care and a very valuable one at that.
• Entertainment And finally, taking a break from work or the wedding preparations themselves, it is essential that you have fun and distract yourself, so take the time to go out with friends, organize a movie night, take off to the beach or make a plan that you have pending, such as a photography or cooking course. Remember that wellbeing also goes hand in hand with thoseactivities they enjoy doing.

Every day of the year!

While these forms of self-care are ideal for brides and grooms in the midst of wedding preparations, the right thing to do is to never stop looking for ways to elevate well-being A practice that should not be relegated to the background or only used when there is time to spare. On the contrary, it should be a priority for everyone.

Although there is an idea that self-care implies a cost in money, the truth is that the monetary issue is nothing more than a vehicle, a means to achieve certain purposes, such as joining a gym. However, many other self-care actions do not require resources, such as meditating, having a good conversation or simply taking your pet for a walk.