Everyone needs self-care right? Yes, of course. We all need self-care, but did you know that there are different ways to take care of yourself?
Self-care is a verb. Self-care is giving your mind, body, and soul what you need every day. Sounds simple but you may find yourself feeling burnt out or even guilty because you are lacking compassion and feel like you are not doing enough self-care.
If you are wondering, yes, you can overindulge in specific self-care practices and neglect others. Self-care is so much more than taking care of your physical body. You have a mind, a heart, a spirit that need just as much attention.
Yes, everyone needs self-care and there are intentional ways that you can make all the types of self-care a priority to give yourself credit for all you do but also understand that there are more ways to take care of yourself beyond pampering and physical activity. Here are Six Ways To Take Care of Yourself:
EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE
- Writing + Speaking positive affirmations
- Keeping a journal of life’s joys and pains
- Chanting mantras
- Cry when you start to cry
- Prioritize self-reflection
- Seek therapy when needed
- Laugh out loud
- Do something creative
- Ask for help
PHYSICAL SELF-CARE
- Brush + clean teeth
- Clean your entire body
- Drink water – eight, 8 oz. glasses daily
- Eat regular meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Pampering self (grooming, nail, skin, hair care, bubble baths, etc.)
- Go to the doctors for annual physicals, OB/GYN appointments, etc.
- Rest (you do not have to sleep or nap to rest)
- Engage in physical activity weekly
- Take time off work + school when you are sick
- Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every day
MENTAL SELF-CARE
- Take a course + class
- Meditation
- Individual therapy
- Going to group therapy
- Joining a virtual support group on social media
- Following mental health advocates + therapists
- Rest
- Learn something new
- Use your vacation time + personal time (even if you do not leave the house take your time off from work)
SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE
- Do a devotion
- Meditation
- Going to church, mosque, synagogue, etc.
- Spending time in nature
- Chakra alignment
- Exploring healing crystals
- Prayer
- Smudging
SOCIAL SELF-CARE
- Log off social media (once a week, etc.)
- Say no when you want to say no
- Surround yourself with people who love you
- Call someone that makes you happy
- Declutter your social media pages (unfollow, block or mute those who make you feel bad)
- Go to a new place to meet new people
- Being aware of your own feelings
- Attend a virtual workshop or event
PRACTICAL SELF-CARE
- Create S.M.A.R.T. [with compassion] goals
- Clean your house
- Attend a workshop
- Plan and prepare for the week
- Organize your work/creative space
- Organize your planner
- Declutter your email
Are you neglecting a specific type of self-care? Create your own Self-care Needs Plan and practice prioritizing yourself. Remember, self-care is a verb. So, do something, but be compassionate, stop putting so much pressure on yourself, and give yourself credit for all the self-care that you do.
Not everyone has the same privilege of knowing how to self-care. Racism and discrimination, food deserts, poverty, unaffordable health care and childcare; a society that values physical health over mental health, poor education systems and limited access to resources in certain communities contribute to the access to certain self-care activities. There is privilege in self-care and it’s important to know what privileges you have.