We have conversations about self-care all the time and things like sleep and exercise are mentioned.
Yet, what does self-care really mean?
Looking at the definition, self-care involves taking an active role in protecting our well-being and happiness, especially during periods of stress.
My Perspective
This definition got me thinking about the 8 dimensions of well-being and how self-care would be different depending on the area(s) where you are feeling the stress.
Intellectual – Read for 10 minutes, do a puzzle, listen to a podcast.
Career – Take a break, ask for support, learn something new.
Physical – Eat a healthy snack, drink hot tea, stand and stretch, take a walk, go to bed earlier.
Social – Hang out with your significant other, meet a friend for coffee, cuddle with your pet.
Spiritual – Journal your thoughts, meditate, feed your spirit (draw, sing, write, do what you love)
Emotional – Create a gratitude list, meditate, listen to some music, smile.
Environmental – Light a candle, tidy a room, focus on your senses.
Financial – Treat yourself to a little splurge (fresh flowers, a new mug, something just for you)
As I put the list together, I realized many of these could go in multiple categories.
There are also some forms of self-care that span across all of these and might not be obvious.
However, they can make a significant impact on your stress level.
This list includes saying no to requests, setting boundaries, and putting yourself first every now and then.
In the future, I want to explore how self-care in one area might alleviate stress in another area.
For example, would taking a warm bath (physical) or tidying a room (environmental) help relieve career stress or relationship stress you are feeling.
Today, is National Self-Care Day, the perfect time to think about what self-care means to you.
Your Turn
Does your self-care tend to be selected from just 1 or 2 categories?
Are there some new ideas on the list that you believe could work for you?
Do you leverage the umbrella actions like setting boundaries and saying no?