Self Care

What is self-care?

Self-care is making a conscious act that promotes physical, mental, and emotional health.  

Why is self-care so important, and when should it be practiced? 

Self-care helps reduce the effect of everyday stressors that cannot be eliminated.  Constantly practicing self-care can help equip you with skills to handle difficult situations. 

Many people think self care is a reward, a luxury.  Contrary to typical belief, self-care should always be practiced, for it helps you control the stressful emotions that arise.  Self-care helps maintain wellness in your mind, body, and spirit.  

Types of Self-Care

1. Physical self-care

   1. When you take care of your body physically, it can also have positive effects on your mind. 

   2. Some examples of physical self-care are getting enough sleep, engaging in enjoyable exercise, fueling your body with nourishing foods, and making health a priority. 

2. Social self-care

   1. Having a strong and close social support system is crucial for self-care. 

      1. Make sure you are putting enough time and energy into building strong relationships. 

      2. Face to face conversations/video chatting are some ways to connect with others.

3. Mental self-care

   1. What you think about in your mind has a great impact on your wellbeing. 

   2. Keeping your mind busy with healthy brain activities is one way of mental self-care. 

      1. Some examples of activities are doing puzzles, learning about a fascinating subject, reading books, and watching movies.  

   3. Maintaining a healthy inner mind dialogue is another way of mental self-care.

      1. Some examples are practicing self compassion, self-affirmations, and acceptance. 

4. Spiritual self-care

   1. Nurturing your spirit involves anything that helps you find a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, or connection with the universe. 

   2. This can include practicing religion, but it does not have to.  

   3. Some other ways of practicing spiritual self-care are spending time in nature, practicing meditation, and reflecting on your actions. 

5. Emotional self-care 

   1. Having healthy coping skills for uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety and frustration is important.

   2. Activities that help you voice your feelings can help you process emotions. 

      1. Talking to a friend and having a creative outlet are some examples of activities. 

As with everything else, there is no “one size fits all” for a self-care plan.  Your self care plan is created based on your current schedule and lifestyle.  Keep trying to see what areas of your life need more attention.  Your self care regime can change and adapt to your life, and that is totally normal. When you take care of yourself on a normal basis, you will see the positive effects of it. 

Source:

Scott, Elizabeth. “5 Self-Care Practices for Every Area of Your Life.” verywellmind.com. Verywell, 3 Aug. 2020, https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729.