Need a simple routine to help you take care of yourself? Here are six areas of life you want to focus on if you’re just getting started.
6 Areas Of Self-Care.
1. Physical
Physical self-care is taking care of your physical needs to keep you healthy and in shape.
For example:
- getting enough rest each night
- eating and drinking something healthy
- exercising each day
- eating whole foods that nourish your body
- starting an exercise routine you enjoy such as walking
- enjoying your meals
- getting enough sleep.
- drinking enough water
- doing things that make you feel good
2. Emotional
Your emotional health is a very important part of your overall well-being but can be challenging because it can be hard to reconcile with difficult emotions.
Here are some practices that helped me deal with my emotions:
- practicing mindfulness
- setting healthy boundaries.
- practicing self-acceptance by embracing my shadow sides
- starting a gratitude journal
- meditating
- practicing self-awareness
3. Mental
Another facet of your basic self-care routine that should not be neglected is your mental health. Your mental and emotional health are interconnected.
The way your mind perceives and processes information can stir up feelings of worry and anxiety inside your body.
The mind can be very complex, so if you’re having trouble with reasoning, making decisions or basic functioning you can try the following:
- Meditate.
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Get support from a licensed professional.
- Start journaling to self-reflect.
- Drop any limiting beliefs to change your perceptions.
4. Spiritual
Spiritual self-care can mean different things to each person. It can be a religion, a belief, an ideology, a practice, or something that makes you feel uplifted.
It gives meaning and depth to your life and it can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, watching the sun rise every day, or praying.
Here are other examples:
- Do something you enjoy everyday.
- Take a walk outdoors or in nature.
- Do a random act of kindness for someone or say something kind to yourself.
- Pray to communicate what is in your heart or to ask for something.
- Practice yoga.
5. Social
Humans are social creatures by nature. So, it is important to cultivate relationships that nurture you.
Be sure you surround yourself with people who support you because connecting with others in a way that is positive can lift up your spirits.
Here are questions you can ask yourself before you start your social circle:
- How often do I need to spend with other people?
- How do I like to spend my time?
- Do I like small or large groups?
- Do I like one on one interactions?
- Where can we meet up?
- Do we bond over shared interests?
6. Intellectual
Intellectual self-care allows you to grow and evolve as a person. It sparks your natural curiosity and creativity. There are so many ways to care for your intellect and you don’t have to go back to school to get started.
Here are some ideas you to inspire you:
- Learn a new language
- Read a novel
- Start a blog
- Begin a new hobby
- Mentor or teach someone
- Watch a documentary
- Learn a new sport
Why is basic self-care important?
We’re more connected than ever thanks to technology. It divides our attention and stretches our personal time.
This is why it’s crucial to to practice self-care regularly.
Not only that, self-care can invoke feelings of guilt in a society that is built on and rewards productivity.
All the more reason to prioritize your well-being and set up a system that cares for your most basic needs.
Last Thoughts.
Having a self-care routine, even a basic one, can help you take good care of yourself not just physically, but also mentally, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
When you care for yourself, you are also taking good care of others. If you want more self-care ideas, check out: Self-care Sunday ideas to help you relax, indulge, and enjoy.
What are some ways you take care of yourself? Please share in the comments below!