Your soul’s SOS: Why self-care is your ultimate superpower for flourishing

Today, July 24th, marks a special occasion: International Self-Care Day. Perhaps you’re thinking, “Aunty ‘Lola, another ‘day’? I barely have enough time for my regular days!” And oh, how I understand that sentiment! In our fast-paced world, especially here in Nigeria where the hustle never truly sleeps, self-care can often feel like a luxury we can’t afford, a ‘soft’ topic we’ll get to ‘someday’. But my dear Pearls, I’m here to tell you, with all my heart, that self-care is not a luxury; it is your ultimate superpower. And at its core, lies the often-underrated magic of sleep.

For years, I lived a life without a ‘stop’ button. Honestly, I didn’t even know where the ‘off’ switch was located! I was that woman who woke up before dawn, chasing career goals, juggling family responsibilities, being available for friends, and trying to keep all the plates spinning perfectly. Rest felt like weakness, sleep felt like wasted time, and ‘self-care’ was a foreign concept, probably something for those ‘other’ people with less demanding lives.

I believed working harder, pushing more, and always saying ‘yes’ was the path to success and fulfilment. But the truth was, I was crumbling. My mental health began to suffer. I was constantly irritable, my mind felt foggy, stress level increased, and even simple joys felt muted. I was always on the verge of burnout, and was a vessel running on empty, trying to pour from it.

One day, I hit a wall. It wasn’t a sudden dramatic collapse, but a gradual, soul-wearying exhaustion that felt like my very spirit was dimming. That was my soul’s SOS. In that moment of utter depletion, I knew something radical had to change. I couldn’t keep going this way. And ironically, the very first, most powerful change I made was to prioritise sleep.

It started small. A conscious effort to be in bed by a certain time, to create a restful evening routine, to truly disconnect from the day’s demands. It felt strange, almost rebellious at first, to choose rest over ‘more work’. But slowly, gradually, things began to shift. The mental fog started to lift. My emotional resilience improved. I found I could think clearer, make better decisions, and face challenges with a renewed sense of calm. The irritability began to recede, and glimpses of my old joyful self started to peek through.

I am not where I want to be yet – life is a continuous journey, isn’t it? But I am so much further than where I was. I’ve become a firm believer in the profound importance of self-care, and yes, a ‘Self-care & sleep evangelist’ at that!

My dear Pearls, my story is not unique. So many of us are caught in the same cycle. But the truth, backed by science, is that self-care is not selfish; it is fundamental. It’s the deliberate act of tending to your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Research consistently shows that engaging in self-care practices significantly reduces stress, improves mental clarity, boosts emotional regulation, and enhances overall well-being and resilience. It’s how we recharge our internal batteries so we can show up fully for our lives, our work, and our loved ones.

And when we talk about self-care, we must talk about sleep. Sleep isn’t just about resting your body; it’s a vital, active process for your brain and mind. During sleep, your brain consolidates memories, processes emotions, clears out toxins, and prepares you for optimal functioning the next day. Lack of adequate sleep can impair your concentration, decision-making abilities, emotional control, and even compromise your immune system. Think of it, if your phone needs charging every day to function, why do we expect our complex human bodies and minds to run on empty?

So, on this International Self-Care Day, I urge you, my beautiful Pearl, to make a promise to yourself. It doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as committing to an extra 30 minutes of sleep tonight, scheduling a non-negotiable quiet moment for yourself each day, or taking a mindful walk. Find your own ‘stop button’ and honour it.

More on Why Self-Care Matters:

1. Self-care is essential, not optional: It’s the foundation for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
2. It prevents burnout: Regular self-care helps you recharge and avoid chronic stress.
3. Boosts resilience: Caring for yourself equips you to handle life’s challenges with greater strength.
4. Improves relationships: When you feel balanced, you show up better for others.
5. Enhances productivity: A well-rested, nourished mind is more focused and creative.
6. Supports long-term health: Self-care reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
7. Builds self-worth: Prioritising your needs reinforces the message that you matter.
8. Encourages emotional healing: It creates space for reflection, growth, and inner peace.

Remember, taking care of yourself is the most powerful act you can do. It’s how you cultivate your inner strength, polish your resilience, and unlock your radiant potential. When you nourish your soul, you become a force for good, not just for yourself, but for everyone around you.

Here is my gift to you to commemorate the International Self-Care Day – meet Dr. DoLittle, your productivity and self-care coach. It is a science-based, self-guided AI ChatBot created by me for your flow working delight. You can access it via ChatGPT. bit.ly/DrDoLittle

Until next time, keep shining…keep flourishing!

Yours in flourishing, Aunty ‘Lola

Happy International Self-care Day!

Funmilayo Jimoh (aka Aunty ‘Lola / Happiness Aunt), Edifying Soulfood columnist, is a passionate advocate for mental health. She draws on her diverse educational background – including a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, MBA in Human Resource Management, and specialised training in Positive Psychology. When she is not delving into the latest research on human flourishing, you can find her exploring the intersection of technology and well-being. Her goal is to empower individuals to cultivate fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. Connect with her on social media: @TheLolaFJ