Self-Care
The importance of prioritising self-care cannot be emphasised enough, but busy lives, family, children or work commitments frequently means that many of us sacrifice self-care for other responsibilities.
Why is self-care important? Firstly - because you deserve it. Many of us spend so much of our time looking out for others that we forget that we also need to look after ourselves, but it’s also worth highlighting that if we don’t routinely practice self-care then our own health will suffer, and then everything stops.
‘If you don’t make time for your wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for your illness.’
What is self-care?
There are seven recognised ‘pillars’ of self-care. Each method of self-care fits into one of the seven pillars: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. A well-balanced self-care routine involves each of these, so avoid restricting yourself to just one or two pillars.
There are lots of ways you can practice self-care. Here are some ideas:
Mental Self-care ideas
- Have a gratitude attitude. Practicing gratitude costs nothing and its effects are far reaching. Not only can it improve our own mental health (try gratitude journaling) it helps build positive relationships with others.
- Meditation.
- Taking a break from social media.
- Writing in a journal.
- Set goals and priorities. Most of us have a long list of things to do – pick 2 priority tasks each day and focus on these.
- Don’t feel guilty or bad for saying ‘no’. You are not being selfish. You can’t do everything. Sometimes when you say ‘yes’ to others, you are actually saying ‘no’ to yourself. Remember that you can never please everyone.
Emotional self-care
- Show yourself some kindness – Stop being so hard on yourself and treat yourself with the same forgiveness and compassion you show towards others.
- Write some positive affirmations.
- Focus on positivity, and ALWAYS avoid negative self-talk.
- Ask for help. Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness.
- Setting healthy boundaries. With friends, colleagues, social media or digital technology.
- Listen to your favourite music.
Physical Self-Care
- Get regular exercise - Just 30 minutes every day can help boost your mood and physical fitness.
- Eat healthy, regular meals. Apart from being unhealthy, processed foods affect brain function and can contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Drink water – staying hydrated helps physical and mental performance and can even aid weight loss.
- Make sleep a priority - Avoid caffeine and screens before bedtime, and don’t take your phone to bed. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Many people find CBD drops help to achieve this.
- Take vitamins daily – especially Vitamin D during the darker winter months.
- Skincare is self-care.
Environmental Self-Care
- Organise and declutter your living space and arrange your workspace to be more comfortable.
- Get outdoors and go for a walk through the forest or at the beach.
- Appeal to all your senses. Use aromatherapy or scented candles, have a warm drink, and get comfortable.
Spiritual Self-Care
- Spend time with nature.
- Be part of something bigger – volunteering or contributing to a cause that’s important to you, for example fundraising or charity work.
- Take time to identify what is meaningful to you. Figure out your own core values.
- Connect to a higher power.
Recreational Self-Care
- Make time to do nothing. Time spent relaxing is not time wasted!
- Engage your brain in a new way - Learn a new skill or hobby. Try a relaxing activity – this can be anything that you enjoy, something that absorbs you.
- Do something adventurous that’s outside your usual routine.
- Play a game.
Social Self-Care
- Have a gratitude attitude. Practicing gratitude costs you nothing, and it has far reaching effects. Not only can it improve our own mental health (try gratitude journaling) it helps build positive relationships with others.
- Stay connected. Make time for friends whose company you enjoy. Call or visit family.
- Talk to a support group or therapist.
- Find a community where you feel you belong and can contribute.
Remember – Self-Care is a priority, not a luxury. Make time for yourself, stay positive, and stay healthy.
Phyte Club
Find Your Best Self