What do you think of when you hear "self-care"? Do you think of going to an elaborate spa fir the weekend or simply getting enough sleep? Is it a concept that is nice in theory but difficulty to practice? Is it a priority or the last thing on your mind? Do you always put the needs of others in front of your own? Do you think you deserve it or do feel selfish for spending time, and perhaps money, on yourself?
Self-care is essential for well-being. We deserve self-care based on the sole fact we are human. Truly, we can't take care of others if we do not take care of ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Here are a few suggestions on how to self-care for each of your needs. Feel free to add to my list!
Physical:
- shower daily
- get 8 hours of sleep
- get regular check-ups at the doctor and dentist
- eat three nutricious meals a day with a snack or two
- moisturize daily
- regular, healthy amounts, of exercise
- stretch
- brush and floss your teeth
- skin care
- get a hair cut
- have a bath
- go for a walk
- have sex
- massage
- take medication as prescribed
Mental:
- puzzles (ie: sudoku, crossword, mathematical)
- take breaks from work
- read
- take time to have a mental vacation, something that doesn't require you to think a lot
- mindfulness/mediation
- yoga
- talk about what's on your mind with a trust friend/family member/therapist
- participate in meaningful activities
- create balance and boundaries between work/home/school life
- physical, emotional and spiritual self-care
Emotional:
- talk with a friend
- set time aside for one's self
- go to therapy
- participate in meaningful activities
- feel your feelings
- breath
- radical acceptance - "a series of events has led up to this moment, it is what it is"
- be present
- positive self-talk/affirmations
- get and give a hug
- do something for someone else
- accept where you and others are at
Spiritual:
- talk with God, Higher Power, Someone Greater or outside of one's self
- talk to a spiritual leader
- go to a place of worship
- pray
- meditate
- embrace and participate in cultural significant practices (ie: sweat lodges, smudging, healing practices)
- participate in meaningful activities
- find and live according to your values
- read prayers, poems, religious text
- yoga
- nature walk
- sit/walk in silence
- mindfulness
- forgive others and/or self
- make ammends
- connect
Make time for self-care. Schedule it into your week if you have to. Designate specific times throughout the day/week/ month where you specifically attend to each category of need. You deserve it, you are worth it, you can do it!