The term "self-care" has gained popularity throughout the years. It seems like everywhere we turn, we are being encouraged to practice self-care. These encouragements come to us in books, movies, or in conversations with friends and coworkers. But what really is self-care? How do we practice it and what's the end goal? Let's start with breaking down what self-care actually encompasses (hint: it's not always about treating yourself!)
What is self-care?
When many of us think of self-care, we think of doing things that make us feel good, such as going to the spa, playing a round of golf, buying a coffee, or watching an enjoyable movie. These examples can absolutely fall under someone's self-care practice, but contrary to popular belief, self-care is not always about feeling good, nor does it look one particular way. Self-care is not about being indulgent.
At its core, self-care is the practice of engaging in choices that are subjectively beneficial to you. The benefits don't need to be immediate; they can also be a part of a longer-term gain or a continued practice. Self-care is about intentionally taking care of your holistic needs to improve your overall sense of self.
Why is self-care important?
Spending intentional time focusing on your holistic needs can make a profound impact on your overall wellbeing. When you take care of yourself, you are more likely to have a greater sense of internal fulfillment, contentment, and a positive outlook on life. You will likely have more capacity to dedicate your time and energy towards your values and the things and people you genuinely care about.
How to practice self-care
Your self-care practice doesn't need to be perfect or rigid. Self-care comes in all sizes and forms. Very often, committing to a few small changes can actually make a profound difference. Remember, sometimes self-care will feel good and sometimes it may actually feel uncomfortable. For example, it may feel enjoyable to go out to dinner with your friends, but overwhelming or boring to file your taxes. Self-care isn't about being indulgent; it's about paying attention to your overall sense of self. You will make the most impact when your practice is consistent and habitual.
To illustrate the multifaceted and complex nature of self-care, consider these different forms of self-care and examples. Some of the examples will likely fall under multiple categories, as our mental, physical, and emotional health are all interconnected. For example, participating in therapy will likely benefit multiple domains!
Mental
- Going on walks
- Practicing mindfulness (ex: paying attention to your senses, noticing and letting go of unhelpful thoughts, reducing multitasking, etc.)
- Carving out screen-free time throughout your day
- Doing something stimulating (ex: trying something new, puzzles, crafts, etc.)
- Engaging in positive self-talk
Physical
- Engaging in regular movement (ex: walks, workouts, stretching sessions, etc.)
- Regularly attending to your physical health (ex: doctor's visits, dentist visits, keeping up with your medicine regimen, etc.)
- Paying attention to your sleep habits and committing to small changes
- Striving for balanced and fulfilling nutrition
- Finding pockets of rest or breaks throughout your day
Emotional
- Journaling and identifying your emotions
- Participating in therapy
- Talking with someone you trust
- Finding useful strategies to work through uncomfortable emotions and stress
- Engaging in activities that make you feel a sense of joy, mastery, pride, or contentment
Financial
- Developing a workable budget
- Filing your taxes
- Purchasing something that will bring you joy or make your life easier
- Unsubscribing from unneeded services
- Reducing unnecessary spending
Spiritual
- Spending time in nature
- Connecting with a like-minded community, church, or organized group
- Finding time to spend by yourself or in a sacred space
- Connecting with music, art, or creative platforms
- Engaging in prayer, rituals, or readings that feel connective and meaningful
Social
- Committing to tolerating more small talk throughout your day
- Checking in with friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, etc.
- Spending concentrated time with people you enjoy
- Stepping out of your comfort zone to attend a gathering, event, or get-together
- Setting social media boundaries and limits
Closing thoughts
Self-care is more than taking bubble baths or playing video games. It's about your livelihood, and how you consider your self-care practice will inform how you experience yourself, relationships, and the world. Most of us can benefit from asking ourselves reflective questions such as "where might I benefit from some more focused self-care?" and "what is one thing I can commit to today to enhance my self-care practice?"
Don't forget that none of this needs to be perfect. You deserve to be kind to yourself as you start to make changes and prioritize your needs.
