5 Ways to Practice Self-care

All the activities that get rid of stress won’t help you if you are not taking care of yourself. Meditating won’t do a thing if you aren’t getting enough sleep. You might try to meditate and end up falling asleep because your body isn’t getting enough rest.

Same thing, going to the gym won’t relieve enough stress if you are always eating junk food. You should first take care of your basic needs first if you want stress relief activities to work.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care is an act of promoting your emotional, mental and physical health. There are many ways you can practice self-care; for example, getting enough sleep or going outside for some fresh air once in a while. Self-care is important for building flexibility toward stressors in your life that you just can’t get rid of. When you are taking care of your body and mind you are about to start living your best life.

Sadly, most people see self-care as a luxury instead of a priority. They always feeling overwhelmed and tired – unable to handle life’s challenges.

Physical Self-Care

You should take care of your body if you want it to work perfectly. Dont forget there is a strong connection between your body and mind. This means if you are caring for your body well then you will also start thinking well.

Physical self-care is more focused on the body. Basically, how much sports you are doing and how much sleep you are getting. Going for appointments, taking medications and managing your health are all a part of physical health care. When checking your physical health care, ask yourself some of these questions;

• Are you getting enough sleep?
• Are you eating a healthy diet?
• Are you taking care of your health?
• Are you doing enough exercise?

Social Self-Care

Socialization is the key to self-care. However, sometimes it can be hard to make friends and get easier to neglect your relationships when you get busy. Having connections is important for your health. The best way to maintain close relationships is to use your time and energy in making relationships.

There isn’t a certain number of hours you need to give to your friends or other relationships. Everyone has different social needs – you should just figure out what your needs are and then make enough time for your social life.

For social self-care, consider these things;

• Are you meeting your friends often?
• What have you been doing to build your relationships with friends/family?

Mental Self-Care

The things you are filling your mind with or the way you think really influence your psychological health. Mental self-care is doing things that keep your mind sharp. Things like doing puzzles, or studying about something fascinating.

Mental self-care also comprises of doing things that help you stay mentally healthy. An example could be practicing self-compassion and acceptance. This will help you maintain a healthier inner interchange.

Things to consider when you think of mental self-care:

• Are you making enough time for activities that mentally excite you?
• Are you doing pre-emptive things to help you stay mentally healthy?

Spiritual Self-Care

A lifestyle that includes a religion or something spiritual is a healthy lifestyle. However, nurturing your spirit doesn’t have to involve a religion. It can be anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of understanding, meaning or connection with the universe.

Emotional Self-Care

It’s important to have healthy surviving skills to deal with uncomfortable emotions; for example, anger, sadness or anxiety. Emotional self-care includes things that help you express your feelings regularly.

Wether you choose to talk to your close friend or partner or just take some time off for some leisure activities it is very important to practice emotional self-care.

When evaluating your emotional self-care strategies, consider;

• Do you have healthy methods to process your emotions?
• Do you incorporate activities into your life that help you feel re-energized?

Develop Your Self-Care Plan

You need a self-care plan that is customized for you, your needs and what is going on in your life at the moment. A self-care plan for a college student and one for a mom or working dad is completely different. So, you need to do what works for you.

You should assess which areas of your life need more attention and self-care. Also remember as your condition changes, your self-care needs are likely to change too. So, when you find out that you’re neglecting a certain part of your life, create a plan to change that.

You don’t have to confront everything at once. First, identify one small step then move on to the next slowly. Then, plan for time to focus on your needs. Even though sometimes you may feel like you don’t have time to squeeze in one more thing – don’t forget how important self-care is, make it a priority and everything else will go well.