When we talk about self-care, our minds often jump to bubble baths, yoga, and maybe the occasional chocolate binge. However, self-care can vary for everyone, and self-care can vary for all ages, too. But there's a piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: having a doctor you're genuinely comfortable with. Now, everyone has dealt with a bad doctor at least once in their life. It’s just not great; you don’t feel listened to, you feel like they don’t care, or maybe they’re rude (which is super common too).

Plus, if you’re a woman, chances are high that some of your needs are or haven’t been met with your doctor (as often women tend to get ignored regarding their health). So, honestly, looking into female doctors rather than having a male doctor can make a massive impact on your overall health (and, again, self-care, too).

But with that all said, if you really think about it, finding the right doctor is like dating—it might take a few tries, but when you find "the one," it’s a game-changer for your health and well-being. So, let’s go ahead and take a look!

Trust is Everything

Here’s something to imagine for a moment: you're sitting in a doctor's office, nervous about discussing a health issue that's been bothering you for weeks. Now, picture having a doctor you trust completely, someone who makes you feel heard and understood. It’s like night and day, right?

Trust is the cornerstone of any good doctor-patient relationship. When you trust your doctor, you're more likely to be honest about your symptoms, follow their advice, and ask the questions that matter. It’s not just about getting the right diagnosis; it’s about feeling confident that your doctor has your best interests at heart.

Comfort Leads to Better Communication

Everyone would have to agree here— absolutely nobody likes talking about their health problems, especially when they’re embarrassing or personal. But here’s the thing: your doctor can only help you if you’re open with them. If you’re not comfortable with your doctor, you might hold back crucial information, and that’s a recipe for missed diagnoses or inadequate treatment.

They Know You—Really Know You

Your health is more than just a series of symptoms—it's your lifestyle, your history, and your future all rolled into one. A good doctor doesn't just treat the symptoms; they treat the person. Over time, they get to know you, your quirks, your anxieties, and your preferences. This familiarity allows them to provide care that's tailored specifically to you.

For example, if you’re someone who prefers a more holistic approach, a good doctor will take that into account and offer alternatives that suit your style. Or if you're dealing with a long-term condition, they’ll remember what worked for you in the past and what didn’t, saving you the frustration of starting from scratch every time.

It Reduces Stress

No matter how old you are, it can be stressful having to go to the doctor, right? But when you have a doctor you're comfortable with, that stress is significantly reduced. You don’t have to worry about being judged, misunderstood, or rushed through your appointment. Instead, you can focus on what really matters: your health.

Self-care is something that everyone needs to include in their routine. It doesn’t have to be something that takes up a huge amount of time, but it is a necessity for living a healthy life. Self-care means something different for everyone, and everyone will have a different excuse for not doing it. With the cost of living crisis being something that many are struggling with at the moment, the cost of self-care is one thing that people are using as an excuse to ignore. 

Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive; in fact, it is possible to include it in your routine for free. Let’s have a look at some of the ways you can keep the costs of self-care to a minimum: 

Get Yourself Moving

There are many ways you can get yourself moving, and most of them cost you nothing. It’s all about finding ways to get your body moving that you enjoy. Moving your body is going to be easier, and you are more likely to do it if it’s something that you enjoy rather than thinking it’s a chore. The type of movement is going to be different for each person. Some people may enjoy going for a run; others might enjoy having a dance around the living room. Whatever way you like to move, it is a great form of self-care that doesn’t cost much. 

Pamper Yourself 

Yes, a pamper session can cost you an arm and a leg. However, there are ways that you can cut down the costs. You don’t need to head out to a spa, but if you do, think about having a look online for any offers or vouchers that you can use. If you want to have your hair done, think about asking the salon if they have any student hairdressers, you can often get a reduced price if you are happy to let them work on your hair. If you like to go and have your eyelashes, view details about some great options for doing it yourself at home. 

Do A Hobby 

One of the easiest ways you can get a little bit of self-care into your life without it costing too much is to spend some time doing a hobby. It can be anything that you enjoy doing. Running, cycling, sewing, dancing, reading, cooking- anything can be classed as a hobby if it’s something you can do for enjoyment. It could be that you love to bake, and baking a cake for your family and friends is something that makes you feel great and less stressed. Or it could be that you enjoy learning a new language or reading. Some hobbies may have some cost, but you can usually keep it to a minimum. 

Do you have any other ways that you can keep the cost of self-care down? Are you going to include more self-care into your routine now that you know that you can reduce the cost? Please let us know in the comments below.