Self-Care: What it is and how you do it!
Life has a way of bringing an on the go, busy, no time to catch your breath, stressful flow to our days. We begin to feel burnt out, exhausted, and like we do not have anything more to give to ourselves and others. It can be hard to slow down and look around to see how disconnected we are from ourselves and the world we live in. This is where self-care comes in.
What does self-care even mean!?!?
WHO defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider”.
Self-care is about taking care of yourself, connecting with yourself, and allowing you to connect to others.
When you are drained and not taking care of yourself, how do you expect yourself to show up and be there for others?
Self-care is making intentional and conscious decisions to take care of you.
It is implementing strategies to cope with daily stressors.
There are 6 categories to well-rounded self-care, wellbeing, and health:
Mental-taking care of your mind
Physical-taking care of your body
Emotional-taking care of your feelings
Spiritual-taking care of your soul
Community-taking care of your connection to others
Professional-taking care of your work self
So, you probably want to know, how do I practice self-care!?!?
Let’s break each category down and explore different ways to practice self-care.
Mental
Read a book
Do a puzzle
Watch a movie or television show
Go to therapy
Meditate
Journal
Set goals
Allow time to do nothing
Find hobbies
Reframe negative thoughts
Emotional
Acknowledge your feelings
Laugh
Say “I love you”
Allow yourself to feel your feelings
Express your wants and needs
Find validation in yourself
Set boundaries
Express your feelings
Practice Mantras. Example: “I am enough” “I am brave” “I am worthy”
Practice breathing exercises
Physical
Eat healthy
Get quality sleep
Exercise
Get a massage
Ask for hugs
Seek regular medical care
Bubble Bath
Go to the chiropractor
Drink water
Brush your teeth
Take a shower
Spiritual
Get outside
Sing
Dance
Practice self-forgiveness
Do yoga
Play with your kids
Volunteer
Watch the sunset/sunrise
Create a safe space
Practice gratitude
Declutter your space
Professional
Leave work at work
Use your vacation and sick time
Take mental health days, if needed
Learn to say NO
Get support from colleagues
Create career goals
Take your lunch break, eat without working
Community
Meet up with a friend
Find a support group
Put down electronics when face to face with others
Connect online communities
Spend time with your family
Go to an exercise class
Set boundaries
Be around people who make you feel safe
Call your loved ones
Love on your pets
Self-care is not a one size fits all. It looks different for everyone. Take some time to begin exploring areas of your life that need more attention in relation to taking care of yourself. You deserve to have a life of balance, meaning, and love. Make time daily to practice self-care and begin to watch your life flourish.
