Self-care is the act of engaging in activities to gain or maintain an optimal level of overall health. There are 8 main areas of self-care: physical, psychological, emotional, social, professional, environmental, spiritual, and financial.
1) Physical self-care
Movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep and resting needs. Some examples of physical self-care:
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Going for a walk
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Taking a bath
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Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours per night)
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Eating nourishing foods
2) Psychological self-care
Learning new things, practicing mindfulness and creativity. Some examples of psychological self-care:
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Practicing mindfulness
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Reading a book
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Learning a new skill
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Doing a digital detox
3) Emotional self-care
Enhancing emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy and managing stress effectively. Some examples of emotional self-care:
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Saying no
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Making time for reflecting on feelings
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Practicing self-compassion
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Being aware of your emotional boundaries
4) Social self-care
Having a supportive group and network of relationships around you that you can trust and turn to. Some examples of social self-care:
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Honoring your commitments to other people
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Asking for help when you need it
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Meeting new people
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Spending time with family and friends
5) Professional self-care
Sharing your strengths and gifts, having clear professional boundaries and living your purpose. Some examples of professional self-care:
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Eating a nourishing lunch each day at work
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Negotiating your needs
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Having clear professional boundaries
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Attending professional developing opportunities
6) Environmental self-care
Having an organized, well maintained and clutter-free work, business and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well maintained mode of transport. Some examples of environmental self-care:
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Decluttering your home or work environment
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Monitoring technology time
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Cleaning up after a meal
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Maintaining a clean and safe living environment
7) Spiritual self-care:
Having beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life. Some examples of spiritual self-care:
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Meditating
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Reflecting in a journal
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Going on a retreat
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Walking in nature
8) Financial self-care
Being responsible with your finances and having a conscious relationship with money. Some examples of financial self-care:
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Knowing where your income is coming in
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Knowing where your expenses are due and paying them on time
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Completing your tax responsibilities on time
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Spending and saving money wisely
Implementing self-care tactics can be challenging, but is essential! Working with a talk therapist can help you find which areas of self-care you can benefit from. Click here to get started.
