Today, when we look around we see a lot of illnesses. However, most of them are directly or indirectly related to one problem: stress.  Like with most other problems, prevention is always better than cure. One sure way to combat stress is a new-age medicine you can't buy... practicing self care.  

What is self-care? In its literal sense, it means taking care of one self. No matter what we do, we often neglect to practice good self care and fall sick to various physical and mental ailments.

Here are some of the ways you can practice self care:

1. Take some time out for yourself

We often focus on work and family and end up being surrounded by people all the time. Sometimes, being in our own physical space, doing nothing helps clear out clutter from the mind.

2. Develop a hobby different from your work

Hobbies are sometimes viewed as a waste of time. To the contrary,  good health is about all about balance and its important to find a hobby that is different from your work- it can be painting, dancing, yoga, or even pottery! This uses various parts of the brain and keeps the mind active and energised.

3. Surround yourself with positivity

Negative people and events tend to drain our emotional energy. Thus we need to surround ourself with positivity in order to keep our energy levels up.

4. Spend time in nature

Living in concrete jungles, we seem to have lost our touch with nature. The colour green has a natural calming effect on us and nature seems to move at a different pace than our fast-paced, deadline-laced lifestyle. Get in touch with nature occasionally, and you will be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.

5. Leave work on time

We usually rush to be at work on time but in order to complete deadlines we  tend to stay back late. It's important to divide between work, family and personal time otherwise we tend to get 'burnt out' leading to various illnesses. Also, leave work at work otherwise the stress spills over into our personal lives.

So, make your new year resolution to yourself for a fulfilling, stress-free year ahead by practicing self care. Remember, the most important person this coming year is you!