Starting Your Self-Care Journey
“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours – it is an amazing journey – and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”
Bob Moawad
What is self care and why is it so important? For years it felt like every time I saw a doctor, therapist, school counselor and many others I was always asked the question “ what do you do for self-care?” My answer was usually “I don’t know.” When I was younger I was unaware of exactly what was meant by the term “self-care” and why so many people in my own life seemed to be stressing its importance. Now in my adult life, I feel that I have a better understanding of what self-care means and I realize that even the little things I did each day like brushing my teeth could be considered self-care. A quick google search will tell you “Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself so that you can transmit the good feelings to others. You cannot give to others what you don't have yourself.” Practicing self-care can help you sleep better, improve focus, and strengthen relationships. I now have a much greater appreciation for self-care and realize it is important to have throughout all aspects of your life.
So you may ask now, how do I practice self care and where do I start? Here are the 8 areas of self-care and some ideas to get you started! You may already do a few and not even know they are self-care. Here are a few tips I’ve come upon for incorporating new self-care strategies into your life and moving along further into your own self-care journey:
1) Physical self-care
Movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep and resting needs. Some examples of physical self-care:
Going for a walk
Taking a bath
Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
Eating nourishing foods
2) Psychological self-care
Learning new things, practicing mindfulness and creativity. Some examples of psychological self-care:
Practicing mindfulness
Reading a book
Learning a new skill
Doing a digital detox
3) Emotional self-care
Enhancing emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy and managing stress effectively. Some examples of emotional self-care:
Saying no
Making time for reflecting on feelings
Practicing self-compassion
Being aware of your emotional boundaries
4) Social self-care
Having a supportive group and network of relationships around you that you can trust and turn to. Some examples of social self-care:
Honoring your commitments to other people
Asking for help when you need it
Meeting new people
Spending time with family and friends
5) Professional self-care
Sharing your strengths and gifts, having clear professional boundaries and living your purpose. Some examples of professional self-care:
Eating a nourishing lunch each day at work
Negotiating your needs
Having clear professional boundaries
Attending professional development opportunities
6) Environmental self-care
Having an organized, well maintained and clutter-free work, business and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well maintained mode of transport. Some examples of environmental self-care:
Decluttering your home or work environment
Monitoring technology time
Cleaning up after a meal
Maintaining a clean and safe living environment
7) Spiritual self-care:
Having beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life. Some examples of spiritual self-care:
Meditating
Reflecting in a journal
Going on a retreat
Walking in nature
8) Financial self-care
Being responsible with your finances and having a conscious relationship with money. Some examples of financial self-care:
Knowing when/where your income is coming
Knowing when/where your expenses are due and paying them on time
Completing your tax responsibilities on time
Spending money wisely
Saving money wisely
Thanks for reading & take care of yourselves!
Brittney
Youth Peer Support Specialist
Youth MOVE NH