There is no limit to what can be considered as self-care. Basically the idea is to improve your wellbeing and bring your focus inwards. It means to pamper yourself not just physically but emotionally as well. Self-care is about addressing your needs which are as unique as you are. And most importantly to be kind to yourself.
Self-care can mean different things to different people. Key is to figure out what you need. Noticing how you feel and what exactly makes you happy. Self care is not just limited to your physical body. Its multidimensional that covers every aspect of you well-being. Which is physical, mental, emotional social and spiritual.
Five self care pillars for your mind, body and spirit
Physical
Physical fitness is more than burning calories and avoiding illness. Infact it includes every single parameter that defines an efficiently functional body. It not only covers your energy level, fatigue, focus, flexibility and endurance. But also your confidence in your appearance and your approach towards ageing.
Fuel yourself good. Which means instead of calories, check for nutritional value in your meal. Stay active. Look for a workout that cater to your needs and fits in your schedule. And most importantly, indulge in something that you truly enjoy. Let the workout be joyful rather than something that you are forcing upon yourself. Don’t trade your sleeping hours for work or leisure. Sleep is non-negotiable.
Mental
Just like our body our brain also need good food. Mental care involves every activity that helps you stay mentally healthy. Reading, learning something new, watching an inspirational movie, solving puzzles, playing sudoku are a few activities that stimulates your brain.
Along with stimulation mind also needs relaxation. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Spend time in nature. If you can’t go out for nature walks; at least bring some plants in your home and spend few minutes with them. Practice self compassion, be kind to yourself. Encourage yourself the same way you would do to a friend who is facing a stressful situation.
Emotional
Emotions are essential. We are alive not because we breathe, we are alive because we feel. Emotions can be complicated and confusing at times. And just because we can’t deal with them we tend to push them away. However, denying or discouraging emotions won’t make them go away. Rather suppressed emotions turns toxic for our overall well-being.
Practice emotional validation. First step is to acknowledge emotions without labeling or judging them. Whether it’s anger, envy or regret; just accept them as they come. Pay close attention to how you feel. Second is to identify the source of your emotions. Our emotions are influenced by our thoughts so paying attention to what we are thinking gives us a clue to why we are feeling in a certain way. Next is Self-reflection that helps you to understand impact of your emotions on your thoughts and behaviour. Bring your awareness inwards and ask yourself. What do you need? And what can you do to make yourself feel better?
Social
Social well being is not just about socializing but having meaningful interactions, close connections and reciprocal relationships. Positive relations are extremely important for our overall well-being. They provide us comfort and support during tough times. And these relations are nurtured by putting in your time. The more you invest the more it blooms. Though it’s easy to neglect your relationships when life gets busy. There is no prescribed number of hours that you need to give in to your relationships. Important is to understand your social needs and create a schedule around it.
Make some time for your social connections. It’s not always possible to meet face to face, so make use of technology. Send a text to let them know you are thinking about them. Plan in advance so you are not bumped with priorities at the last minute. Schedule regular calls with your loved ones. And nonetheless, volunteer to support a cause that you are passionate about. Giving back to community gives us a purpose and boost our self esteem.
Spiritual
Spiritual well-being does not have to involve religion. In fact it can be anything that gives you a sense of meaning and deepens your connection with the universe. Practice can include rituals like prayers, meditation or yoga. Spiritual wellness has great impact on our wellbeing. It comforts us in times of uncertainty and gives sense to our grief in time of loss. Spirituality motivates us to serve others and increase our capacity to love and forgive.
Practice mindfulness; being in your present with complete awareness of your surrounding without interpretation or judgement. Keep a gratitude journal, and write three things everyday which you are grateful for. Thank universe for bringing them to you. Practice self-reflection; that is to bring your consciousness inwards, paying attention to our thoughts and listening to our innermost self.
Self care is not as time consuming as you might think. Key is to take small incremental steps every day. Be consistent, be conscious.
"Self Care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you" - Katie Reed