I for one am glad 2021 is in the rear-view mirror and I’m looking forward to what 2022 holds in store. Though I am still being cautious about getting out and about, I think it’s time to get proactive about self-care. So, I’m making appointments with doctors, dentist, and ophthalmologist. But physical self-care is only one avenue on the map. Self-care is consciously promoting and taking care of your own physical, mental, emotional health, social and spiritual health.
It is essential to keep ahead of the stress that gets sent your way. Luckily self-care can make it easier to live your best life. However, many people view self-care as unnecessary and end up overwhelmed and tired. They stay so busy taking care of those around them that they don’t see what is needed in their own life. That is why it Is important to stop and check in with yourself so you can ensure you are caring for YOUR mind, body and spirit. At VeryWellmind.com I found the following five areas of self-care.
PHYSICAL SELF-CARE
There is a strong strong connection between your body and your mind more readily apparent when you neglect this but when you are caring for your body, you’ll think and feel better. It includes how you fuel your body, sleep, physical activity and managing your your health.
**Check-in: Are you taking charge of your health?
EMOTIONAL SELF-CARE
It’s important to have healthy coping skills to deal with uncomfortable emotions, like anger, anxiety, and sadness. Emotional self-care may include activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings regularly and safely.
Whether you talk to a partner or close friend about how you feel, or you set aside time for leisure activities that help you process your emotions, it’s important to incorporate emotional self-care into your life.
**Check-in: Do you have healthy ways to process your emotions?
SOCIAL SELF-CARE
Socialization is key to self-care. But, often, it’s hard to make time for friends and it’s easy to neglect your relationships when life gets busy. Close connections are important to your well-being. The best way to cultivate and maintain close relationships is to put time and energy into building relationships with others.
**Check-in: What are you doing to nurture your relationships with friends and family?
MENTAL SELF-CARE
The way you think and the things that you’re filling your mind with greatly influence your psychological well-being. Mental self-care includes doing things that keep your mind sharp, like puzzles, or learning about a subject that fascinates you. You might find reading books or watching movies that inspire you fuels your mind. Mental self-care also involves doing things that help you stay mentally healthy. Practicing acceptance, for example, helps you maintain a healthier inner dialogue.
**Check-in: Are you making enough time for activities that mentally stimulate you?
SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE
Research shows that a lifestyle including religion or spirituality is generally a healthier lifestyle. Nurturing your spirit, however, doesn’t have to involve religion. It can involve anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, or connection with the universe. Whether you enjoy meditation, attending a religious service, or praying, spiritual self-care is important.
**Check-in: Are you nurturing your spirit?
It is important to find a balance that allows you to address each of these areas. Sometimes you might need more self-care in one specific area in order to restore balance or find relief from a stressor in your life.
Using the check-in questions above might help you to pinpoint some areas of concern or need. If you are unsure of what to do or where to start you can reach out for help. Ask a family member, a friend, a mentor or a coach.
Let me know if I can help. You can email me at: yourpersonalskillscoach@gmail.com
As with most things ( and remember we talked about the mistake of believing there is only one way or one plan) one size does not fit all. If your goal is to consciously take care of your health as discussed above then making a personalized plan is necessary. If you can take care of the stress, the emotional highs and lows, loneliness and just overall challenges by establishing and following your self-care plan, you will be well on your way to keeping ahead of stress and be healthier and happier.
Related Article: Manage Stress
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