The term itself may define self care – caring for oneself. Anything you do to maintain your health physically, mentally, and spiritually is considered self care. Although emphasizing self care may seem obvious, especially when considering longevity, it is frequently the first thing to go when we find ourselves in difficult situations, whether due to poor health, a financial crisis, job loss, divorce, or self isolation. This is why, especially during difficult circumstances, it is critical to keep maintaining it at the forefront of our minds rather than as an afterthought.

Building A Self Care Plan:

Life is dynamic, and so are our wellness aspects. During challenging times, we may rely on our strong points to help carry us through. When too many aspects are damaged, we may struggle and find it difficult to handle things that we could easily do in the past.

Here are some ideas to consider when working on your self care. Feel free to change, replace, or add your own as you go. Keep in mind that this is all about you!

Emotional:

Talk to someone, ponder, journal, read, do something artistic, listen to music, work out, go for a walk, watch something that suits the mood (or the opposite and changes it), cry it out, hug someone, cuddle, laugh, and nap.

Environmental:

Take a pleasant walk, take in some fresh air, soak up the sun, enjoy the night sky, visit an art gallery to see Freddi Wald, avoid polluting, pick up litter, decrease waste, use reusable items, recycle, clean your house, redecorate a room.

Financial:

Create a practical financial plan, open a savings account, begin saving (even if it is only one dollar per day), attempt saving even more if you are already saving, invest, reduce wasteful expenditures, examine where you can save money, and ask for a raise.

Intellectual:

Read, listen to audio books, watch documentaries, solve puzzles, be aware of your surroundings, get curious, try something new, explore your creative/artistic side, enroll in a class, complete a program, and graduate.

Occupational:

Learn a trade, acquire a degree, prepare for a promotion, accept the promotion, compile a resume, polish your resume, apply for your dream career, take on a task you enjoy, and start your own business.

Physical:

Work out every day, go for a walk, eat healthily, get your annual exam, visit the dentist, take your medication as given, avoid drugs and alcohol, get 7-9 hours of sleep, and see your doctor if you are not feeling well.

Social:

Meet up with friends and family, stay in touch with old pals, volunteer, go out, have fun, engage in positive social media use, radiate optimism, use technology when distance is an issue, and laugh a lot.

Spiritual:

Meditate, pray, contemplate, do yoga, visit a meaningful site, do the right thing for others, be attentive, examine your higher purpose and significance, seek support from your higher power, love one another, and aid those in need.

Self-care is an essential daily practice. This will result in a better balance of your wellness dimensions and enhanced overall health and well being. Life is valuable and should be savored!

Featured Image By: Jackson David on Unsplash