For most people, self-care comes at a time when they feel overworked and overwhelmed. However, self-care is most helpful when it’s incorporated into your daily routine. When you’re able to take good care of your mind, body, and soul, you will feel more prepared to face challenges ahead of you, utilize positive coping skills, and feel more resilient when experiencing stressful situations.
As a follow up from 6 Steps to Self-Care, remember that self-care is not selfish, but rather, self-preservation. If you’re struggling to include self-care practices into your everyday life, try some of these tips below to increase self-care in each domain. And if you’re unsure where to start, try this interactive self-care game
Personal Self-Care
- Try something new
- Make time for your hobbies
- Spend some time alone
- Think about your long-term and short-term goals
- Allow your accomplishments to bring you fulfillment
Physical Self-Care
- Go for a walk
- Clean your room
- Take out the trash
- Cook your favorite meal
- Get a good night’s sleep
Emotional Self-Care
- Check your emotional temperature
- Cultivate supportive friendships and expand your social circle
- Practice self-compassion
- Cultivate a supportive social network
- Learn to say yes to yourself and (sometimes) no to others
Psychological (Intellectual) Self-Care
- Learn a new skill
- Do something to express your creative side
- Speak with a therapist
- Express gratitude to decrease negativity
- Believe in yourself – growth does not happen overnight
Spiritual Self-Care
- Develop a sense of purpose for living
- Spend some time meditating
- Keep a journal to help you express your deepest thoughts and feelings.
- Engage your senses
- Make time for people you love, and who love you
Professional (Practical) Self-Care
- Create a healthy work-life balance so that no one day is overwhelming
- Set up and maintain professional boundaries
- Make time throughout the workday for self-care breaks
- Implement a healthy work space for yourself
- Appreciate yourself, your work, and your growth
Ultimately, self-care is not one-size-fits-all and self-care activities will be different for everyone. However, it is essential to engage in these activities before a crisis hits. By doing so, you can learn to manage your stress and enhance your physical and emotional wellbeing. Practicing self-care means making a commitment to your health and wellbeing not only for today, but for the future.
If you find yourself struggling to incorporate self-care into your routine on your own, we’re here for you.
