Redefining Self-Care: Beyond the Spa Days and Gym Sessions
Self-care is a term that is often not fully understood. It can bring to mind activities such as getting a massage/ mani-pedi or going to the gym. However, if we limit ourselves to these physical and often expensive options, we are missing many other social and emotional actions that can be truly life changing.
Self-care refers to taking care of ourselves. Many of us are caregivers in some form or another and are quite adept at caring for others (children, spouses, parents). How much time or energy do we put into recognizing and meeting our own needs? Do we ask ourselves, “what do I need in this moment?”, “how can I honor myself and all the hard work I’m doing?”, or “what advice would I give to a friend?”
Practical Self-Care Ideas: Simple Steps to Nourish Your Well-Being
Here are some areas to consider when thinking about increasing positive self-care:
- Relationships – practice letting people close to you know how you are feeling. Ask for what you need. Share your hopes, fears, dreams, and disappointments. Laugh with people you love. Ask others how they are doing. Listen attentively. Set boundaries. It is okay to say, “that doesn’t work for me”, “I would prefer not to”, or “that is not okay with me”.
- Nutrition – notice how you feel when you eat certain foods. Reduce foods that leave you feeling sick, fatigued, or still hungry. Add more of what feels energizing and sustaining. Plan ahead so that you are not mindlessly eating junk or skipping meals. Read recipes, make a grocery list, prep food for upcoming busy days.
- Screens – we all need breaks from screens. Many jobs involve hours in front of a screen. How can you get these needed breaks? Go for a walk and leave your phone at home (or in your pocket). Sit outside with your eyes closed for 10-15 minutes and soak in some Vitamin D. Read from a book, magazine, or newspaper. Go for a drive. Put phones away during mealtimes and conversations.
- Enjoyment – do you have a hobby or passion? It’s important to experience pleasure/ enjoyment on a regular basis. What do you do for fun? Games, sports, collections, arts & crafts, gardening, decorating, hiking, camping, traveling…the list is endless. The point is focusing on what brings us pleasure and pursuing more of it!
- Spirituality – spending time in prayer or meditation has a positive impact on brain chemistry and the body’s ability to fully relax. There are many ways to practice and express one’s spirituality. It can be solitary or with a group of people. It can involve a building, nature, or stillness. It can focus on something meaningful or involve completely clearing one’s mind.
Treat Yourself Like a Loved One: The Ultimate Self-Care Mindset
The self-care suggestions above are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we can do to take better care of ourselves. Some themes woven through these ideas are intentional, present in the moment, and kind to ourselves. In other words, treat ourselves the way we would treat a loved one.
C. Delano