Self-Care: What It Is and What It Isn’t

The building blocks to a more fulfilled life.

The idea of self-care: millennials love it, influencers talk about it, yogis swear by it. But what is it really? While practicing self-care may sound easy and mindless, it takes concentrated focus, prioritization, and discipline, especially in a world that feels like it’s getting busier by the day. There’s work to do, errands to run, kids to carpool, trips to take, dinner to cook…the list goes on. So how, and why, should we prioritize ourselves when frankly, there are so many other things to do?

Here’s why. Mindful practices that focus on oneself help to create an optimal state of being. Dictionary.com defines self-care as “the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation.” Healthy and impactful self-care habits don’t have to be time-consuming or difficult. In fact, if they were, that would defeat the purpose. Rather, they can be small actions taken daily that result in big benefits in the long run. And these actions can be grouped into different pillars of well-being; mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, environmental, and recreational. Self-care is an important part of avoiding burnout and improving our sense of well-being.

Mental Health

First, and possibly most talked about, is mental well-being. This is how someone feels, acts, reacts, behaves, and thinks. If mental alignment is off, other areas in life are more than likely going to be negatively affected. Tasks might feel harder, feelings of disconnectedness and loneliness might arise, and the attitude someone typically has might be different. To help ensure your mental alignment is in check, there are a few ways to engage in mental self-care:

• Become self-aware as to how you’re feeling and don’t apologize or feel guilty for such feelings.
• Give yourself compassion and extend grace to yourself. This might be a difficult time, but you’ll get through it. Always allow yourself to feel it all.
• Take things day-by-day and don’t get overwhelmed with the big picture. It’s ok to take it in baby steps.
• Practice gratitude. At night, write down three things that made you happy during the day, and read those again the next morning.

Emotional Health

Taking care of emotional well-being can be tricky, especially if someone is going through a difficult time. Practicing these tips might slowly ease the hardship.

• Don’t make decisions based on emotions. Allow at least 24 hours to make a decision.
• Take deep breaths throughout the day, allowing your whole body to feel the air
  moving through you.
• Step outside and go on a walk. The power of nature can be very healing.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs. These may quickly escalate an emotional situation.
• Talk therapy.

Physical Health

Physical self-care should be a constant priority because a focus on physical well-being can mean a unified mind, body, and soul. Just 30 minutes of activity a day can boost mood, stimulate creativity, and can improve mental health.

• If physical fitness isn’t your thing, start small. Walk a few minutes during your lunch break or park the car a little farther than you normally would. Get those extra steps in however you can.
• Try a new workout class. Not only might this help your physical well-being, but it could also improve your mental well-being. Don’t forget to check with your provider before starting a new exercise routine.
• Maintain a diet rich in whole fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fatty acids and whole grains.
• Drink enough water! Being dehydrated can be detrimental to your physical and mental health.

Environmental Health

Maintaining environmental well-being means protecting personal spaces in daily life. Whether it be work life, home life or somewhere in between, ensuring that only positive energy is coming in and negative energy is staying out is what the priority should be.

• Spend more time with people who are uplifting and instill confidence. These people are “your tribe.”
• On the flipside, anyone who elicits negative emotions may not need to have a strong presence in your life. Consider slowly fading them out of regular interactions.
• If, for whatever reason, there is no choice but to be present in a negative environment, do small things that create happiness. Listen to music, drink a good cup of coffee, and try to disconnect from the situation.
• Guard your environment at all costs. This space is sacred and should be treated as such.

Spiritual Health

Tapping into spiritual well-being is connecting with and honoring a higher power or being, even if that being is ourselves. It’s about disconnecting from the self and acknowledging the things that provide a sense of purpose.

• Meditate. It’s a popular and simple way to connect spiritually.
• Spend time at places of worship and interact with people there.
• Enjoy quality time in nature.
• Consume media like music, books, art, and podcasts that convey spirituality.
• Sound baths.

Recreational Health

Recreational well-being is how free time is spent and how people like to have fun. It’s about letting loose and tapping into your inner child.

• Join an after-work intramural sports league like kickball, bowling, or pickleball. Don’t forget to check with your provider before starting a new exercise routine.
• Check out local groups to connect with people who have similar interests. Be cautious when connecting with online groups and always follow online safety guidelines.
• Don’t overcommit. Maintain healthy boundaries with these new activities and groups.
• Try something new. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and don’t forget to have fun while doing it.

Maintaining these pillars of self-care may ultimately lead to a stronger, holistic sense of self. Go You!