Why Self-care should be your Number One Priority in 2021

Fa Inna Ma'al Usri Ysra, Inn Ma'l Usri Yusra are verses that touch the heart. 'Indeed, with every hardship, comes ease. With every hardship, comes ease'.

Let’s face it. 2020 was a tough year for everyone.

If we were lucky enough to survive it in good health (Alhamdulillah!), then we had to deal with social distancing, home-schooling our kids, taking care of our elderly family members, working while sharing spotty internet with everyone else, not to mention all of the other responsibilities we are juggling at home. Here at Artizara we want to say that we hear you sisters, and we care!

We recognize that now it’s 2021, you’re probably overdue for some self-care. We’re in no doubt, that taking time to pursue your overall wellness is the most helpful and healthy way to start your new year. But here are four good reasons why…

#1 It boosts your physical health

Allah has given us our bodies as a trust, an ‘Amanah’. We put our bodies to the test each day: yanking them out of sleep for the alarm, skipping meals, surviving on coffee, sitting down for hours on end…But did you know that looking after your body in small but consistent ways now, has many benefits for your long-term physical health? 

If you want improved brain and memory function, lower blood pressure, and protection against chronic illnesses, you might want to think about something as simple as picking up a toothbrush more often. Self-care activities like eating better, adjusting your circadian rhythms, loving your skin, or exercising more are essential for your wellness. 

#2 Say goodbye to stress and anxiety!

A big part of nourishing your body is taking care of your mental health. And one of the best ways to do that is to take pause within our day and to meditate. Prayer is a beautiful form of mediation and we have been prescribed regular daily prayer times for this very reason. To remember Allah and to be in tune with our soul, by connecting with our creator. If you are one of the admirable ones who is regular with their daily prayers, hats off to you!

Making your prayer less hurried and more calm, will do wonders for your mental well being. How about praying outdoors when the weather permits? And supplementing regular prayer with relaxing activities like yoga and mindfulness meditation is a brilliant way of easing stress and anxiety. Practicing breath-control and focus will boost endorphins and give your brain a much-needed break.

#3 It helps you look and feel good

Looking good and having beautiful surroundings is a self-care technique well-known for encouraging your self-confidence, providing a mental escape, and offering social connection. Investing in comfortable yet beautiful Muslim clothing, inspirational Islamic jewelry or Islamic Wall Art  can help you here. In my home I have vibrant Arabic Calligraphy wall art that gives me strength every time I read it passing by.  Islamic fashion is more than just about choosing your outer layer. It’s about a holistic heritage inspired lifestyle that speaks to who your are, inside and out.

#4 It enhances your care for others

Self-care can sometimes be criticized as selfish (especially for us women), but nothing could be further from the truth. By listening to and dealing with your own needs, you will be far more able to focus on those around you. Once you’ve taken the time to become the best version of yourself, you can give others more of your attention, time and energy, and form deeper connections.

Self-care is the tonic your physical, mental, and relational health needs this new year. And that’s what we’re all about here at Artizara – we are devoted to your overall  wellbeing. So as 2021 gathers momentum, we love being able to offer you different, creative and fun ways to pursue your wellness.

As well as focusing on Islamic fashion, we have created Health Inspires Transformation, H.I.T, Thursdays just for you – free virtual sessions every month. meditation, yoga, cardio, workouts, skincare, nutrition, and even a sound bath session. You name it, we have it.

It’s hugely important to become more attuned to yourself so you can improve your quality of life and deepen the beautiful connections you have with others. So why not let Thursdays in 2021 be the self-care day your body needs?