Practice self-Care the Right Way

When you think about self-care, what comes to mind: brushing your hair, having a facial, getting a manicure? Or, I wish!

I know for many of my friends and clients that self-care struggles to exist. When it does, it may include a hot bath (once a month if they’re lucky), a glass (or two) of red wine when they walk in the door, or perhaps simply showering without being interrupted.

Self-care sometimes feels like that elusive grand prize. When you’ve finally done everything on your to-do list: once you’ve taken care of feeding the family, finished that assignment, prepared that report, or made sure everyone else’s needs are met… then maybe you’ll have time for yourself to finally relax.

How do you approach self-care?

For so many people taking care of themselves may include sweating it out at the gym 3 times a week, having a pampering massage once a month, or taking a morning walk every day.

These are wonderful practises to take care of your physical body, but what about the rest of you?

We aren’t simply made up of muscles, organs and bones. We have a thinking mind, an emotional heart, and a human need for connection and belonging.

These aspects of the ‘whole’ person also need to be taken care of.

Think about your nutritional, environmental, social, emotional and spiritual needs. These are small parts that together combine your human experience. They are crucial factors to consider in your self-care routine.

If you’re not taking care of yourself as a whole person, you may have developed certain behaviours, distractions or coping mechanisms that, quite possibly, are preventing you from feeling truly relaxed, safe, supported, challenged, and loved.

Think about it…

• How are you tending to the relationships in your life?
• When do you set time aside for your favourite activities?
• What are you doing to exercise your creative talents?
• How often are you stepping back to breathe and reflect?
• How regularly are you reaching out for friends and laughter?

Give some thought to the following in identifying any neglected areas:

• Are you using food to mask loneliness, swallow anger, or bury feelings?
• Are you avoiding conversations or emotions for fear of conflict or rejection?
• Are you working too hard to prove your worth at the cost of your hunger, sleep or relationships?

In short, how have you been approaching your own self-care routine? That is of course, if you actually have one.

If you don’t, best to start now in learning how to slow down, breathe deeply, stress less and laugh more.

If you do, think about where you’ve been focusing your energy and if there are any forgotten areas that need some tender loving self-care.

Featured image by Brandy Kennedy on Unsplash.