Self-Care: What is it?

Self-care is exactly as it sounds: caring for yourself. You might wonder just what you have to do to effectively self-care? You can begin by finding something that you enjoy doing and setting aside time to do it on a regular basis. It’s easy to get caught up in the crazy schedules of life, work, and family, but in order to fully function in these areas, you have to take care of yourself. If you are constantly exhausting your resources and never finding the time to recharge, you risk burning yourself out.

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Self-Care:

Do:

• Find a time that works for you and that isn’t going to cause more stress.
• Remind yourself that it’s important to do the things that you love.
• Encourage those around you to try it too.

Don’t:

• Feel guilty for taking time for yourself. Think of what you’d tell a friend feeling this way.
• Rush through your self-care. It’s to help you feel better, not something to just get done and over with.
• Feel that you don’t deserve self-care. Everyone deserves self-care.

 

So What Classifies as Self-Care?

There are a few different avenues of your life that self-care can enhance. These include: physical, social, psychological, emotional, and spiritual.

Physical

Diet, exercise, sleep, intimacy, changing your surroundings, and other activities that make your physical body feel good (massages, a workout, a walk, relaxing while watching a favourite movie, etc.)

Social

Spending time with friends, family, co-workers, or fellow volunteers. Volunteering somewhere, going to social events, or being a part of a group.

Psychological

Thinking positively about yourself, journaling, reading self-help books, drawing or painting, colouring, reading fiction or non-fiction, creative writing, etc.

Emotional

Laughing, practicing or reading affirmations, cuddling with a pet, listening to music, etc.

Spiritual

Attending church, reading scripture, spend time with nature, play fun games, pray, do yoga, meditate, etc.

These are just some of the things you can try; there is so much more. Also, don’t feel that you have to do self-care alone (unless it’s more helpful), you can do it with others.

 

How Do I Make Time For Self-Care?

The best way to ensure you do some type of self-care each day is to create a schedule at the beginning of each week because it will show you where you have free time to be able to implement it into your day. Use a pen so as not to feel tempted to erase it from your schedule during the week. Have someone remind you to do it if you’re struggling to remember.

 

Remember…

Self-care is supposed to be fun! It’s a way to help ease stress and rejuvenate you from a long, tiring or stressful day. Needing self-care does not show that you are a weak person. In fact, it shows that you are a strong person who knows your limits and when to take a break.

Self-care is self-love.

Be kind to yourself!

 

Don’t miss our previous blog: A Simple Guide to Self Care with 7 steps to start a self-care practice today!