The COVID Pandemic wreaked havoc on the world, but it also brought to light some issues that had been ignored or minimized, especially in the United States. Work-Life balance was one of those issues.
A significant shift in thinking occurred for many people in the work force, and priorities changed. I personally think that the many losses we suffered changed our perspective on what is important to us.
Our mental health and self-care became more of a priority. If you are one of the many people who have shifted to making self-care a priority, but not sure how to incorporate it into your life, this post is for you.
In this article I will talk about what self care is, the types of self-care and the benefits of self care.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Benefits of Self Care
What is Self Care?
Self-Care is an action or behavior that focuses on taking special care of your overall well-being. Self-Care is individual and is about your individual preferences. It’s about attuning to your mind and body’s needs. Just like a specific plant requires certain weather conditions, water and specific soil to grow, your whole self needs specific conditions that are individual to your needs in order for you to grow and be your best self.
Self care is an active approach to your well-being. It’s using specific behaviors and activities for the purpose of improving your health and qualify of life. It is not, however, a behavior or activity used to distract yourself from life. Distraction is a behavior of avoidance. When we avoid or problems and stressors, rather than deal with them, we numb ourselves and our ability to cope.
Self Care is a healthy coping technique that is used to help you handle and learn from the stressors of life.
Types of Self Care
Our lives are comprised of several different facets that impact the whole person. Self-Care isn’t always about massages, getting mani-pedi’s and face masks. Though, they can be some things that you find are helpful in your self care practice.
There are 7 main types of self-care that touch 7 different aspects of our lives.
1. Physical Self-Care
Physical self care includes taking care of your physical body. This includes what we put into our body and behaviors we incorporate into our daily routines. Examples include eating habits, movement, hydration and sleep habits. How we treat our physical bodies has a direct impact on our mental and emotional state as well.
2. Psychological/Emotional Self-Care
Our brains and bodies are intertwined. When something impacts our brain, it impacts our physical health and vice versa. Psychological and emotional self care is about creating healthy coping techniques, having self compassion and improving our cognitive functioning. Some examples include mindfulness practice, positive affirmations, and working with a therapist.
3. Social Self-Care
Humans were not built to be isolated and alone. We thrive on healthy relationships and social connection. Having healthy connections has a mental and physical impact on our health. Examples of social self care include setting healthy boundaries, building relationships and being part of a community.
4. Professional Self-Care
This is a practice that is foreign to the average U.S. citizen in my opinion. Professional self care is about creating a healthy work-life balance. Having a healthy work-life balance improves productivity and gives people a sense of purpose. Some examples of professional self care can include, creating healthy boundaries and managing your time efficiently.
5. Environment Self-Care
Our environment can effect our mood and cognitive function. Creating an environment that facilitates motivation and positivity can improve your well-being. Creating a space that you find inviting can decrease your stress and increase productivity. Examples of environment self care may include creating organizational strategies in your home, maintaining a clean home or decorating your living space.
6. Spiritual Self-Care
You don’t have to be religious to practice spiritual self care. Spiritual self care can give you a connection to a higher purpose. It can even help you feel more connected to yourself and give you purpose and meaning. Spiritual self care examples can look like meditation, spending time in nature, or going to church.
7. Financial Self-Care
Benefits of Self Care
Our minds and bodies are not separate. When we experience stress, both are effected. Practicing Self-Care doesn’t eliminate stress, however, it strengthens our resiliency to life stressors. Resiliency is about having the capacity to deal with stress in a healthy way, which allows you to recover quickly from those hardships we experience. It allows us to be more flexible and grow as a person.
Additionally, research has shown that when people regularly self-care, they experience:
- Improved physical health
- Enhanced emotional well-being
- Increased productivity and creativity
- Better relationships with others
- Increased self-awareness and personal growth
- Improved overall satisfaction with their life.
Tips for Practicing Self Care
So how does someone practice self-care? There are many ways you can practice self-care, and many areas on your life you can focus on. “10 Simple Physical Self Care Practices to Incorporate into Your Daily Routine” has some ideas on how to practice physical self care.
Practicing self care is completely individual to each person. You get to decide what self-care looks like to you. However, if you aren’t sure where to start. Here are some general tips:
- Make self care a priority
- Identify your personal self care needs
- Note what makes you feel good
- Create a self care routine
- Be kind to yourself and practice self compassion
Self Care is a healthy coping skill that has profound affects on our physical and mental health. We have many parts that make up our whole person and its important to pay attention to those parts. When you practice self-care, you are improving your overall qualify of life.
I hope you take the time to identify your personal self care needs and find ways to incorporate simple practices to improve your overall well-being.