*DISCLAIMER: The following article is not intended to be or replace medical or professional advice. It is solely based off opinion and shared for informational purposes. Use at your own discretion. Speak with your doctor about what may be the best options for you.
What is self-care?
Self-Care is a human necessity but, it’s not something you can get prescribed or go buy from a store. It’s something only you can do for yourself and craft to your specific needs. A lot of people get this idea that it’s supposed to look a certain way totally bypassing the fact that it’s about feeling a certain way. Better.
But, what is it we’re supposed to be feeling better about? Do you know that there are different types of self-care? Do you know which parts of you they make better or how to practice them?
Caring for yourself isn’t just a nice warm bath on Sunday nights so pretty you could post it on Instagram. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but, it’s only one thing you can do.
5 Types of Self-Care
Physical Self-Care
What is physical self-care?
When people hear “self-care” most of them think about the physical kind and not much more beyond that. Exercise, skincare routines, bubble baths, that’s all a part of it but there is so much more. More than people realize. Physical self-care is about taking care of our bodies and we can achieve that by in more ways than mentioned above. Also, it’s more than our physically appearance, the inside of us needs a little of that love too.
Ways to practice it
- Go for a daily walk
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Drink more water
- Get good (enough) sleep
- Stretch every morning when you wake up
Do you always find a way to put off doing the things you should? Check out my article on beating procrastination.
Spiritual
What is spiritual self-care?
Spiritual self-care is about feeding your soul. For some people it could be about a connection to God (A God) but, it’s not necessarily about religion, it’s about self. Finding peace, happiness, purpose in life and self-love.
Ways to practice it
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Doing good deeds (donations to charity, volunteering time)
- Spending time in nature
- Praying
Social
What is social self-care?
Social self-care is about deepening your relationship or creating new relationships with other people. It’s especially important now in the digital age when everyone is connected but still somehow disconnected. It should nourish you and the people around you.
Ways to practice it
- Regularly call a family member or friend
- Make a brunch date with someone
- Take a class about something you’re interested in to meet new people
- Stir up a conversation with another mom at the park (or anyone, anywhere)
- Accept that invitation.
Emotional Self-Care
What is emotional self-care
Emotional self-care is about checking in with yourself and how you feel. It’s a journey of self-discovery that allows you to recognize your emotions, what triggers them and how to process them
Ways to practice it
- Start a gratitude journal
- Set boundaries
- Create and use positive self-affirmations
- Get creative (coloring, drawing, writing, cooking, etc.)
- Visit a therapist
Intellectual
What is intellectual self-care?
Intellectual self-care is about participating in activities that stimulate your mind.
Ways to practice it
- Read a book
- Watch a documentary on a topic that interests you
- Learn a new hobby/skill
- Visit a museum
- Start and finish a puzzle
What type do you practice or want to start practicing? Leave me a comment, let’s get the conversation started.
Do you need help developing a routine to make sure you’re caring for yourself? Check out this article from Mindful.org
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