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.