The topic of self-care is raised regularly, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic, but what does the term ‘self-care’ actually mean, and why is it important?
We answer those questions below, and offer some ideas about how to incorporate some self-care into your routine.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care refers to a conscious act one takes to promote their own health and wellbeing.
Types of Self-Care
Did you know there are eight (8) different areas of self-care?
These include:
- Physical – refers to moving your body, eating nourishing foods and getting adequate sleep.
- Psychological – refers to learning new things and keeping your mind sharp, i.e. reading a book or completing a crossword puzzle
- Emotional – refers to acknowledging and dealing with your feelings and emotions in a healthy way
- Social – refers to having a supportive group of people around you and setting time aside to build on those relationships
- Professional – refers to having professional boundaries and a work-life balance
- Environmental – refers to having an organised and clutter-free home and work space
- Spiritual – refers to any rituals or practices you do to further your connection with your higher self. This could include meditation or praying, if you are religious
- Financial – refers to being financially responsible and conscious about your income and expenditure
Why is Self-Care Important?
Research shows that practicing self-care regularly has many positive health outcomes, such as:
- Produces positive feelings such as improved mood and increased happiness
- Boosts self-confidence
- Helps you become better equipped to manage stress
- Reduces levels of anxiety and depression
- Improves energy
- Fosters resilience
- Sharpens focus
- Aids in sleep
- Increases efficiency during the work week
Here are Some Ways to Practice Self-Care this Weekend
- Getting a manicure / pedicure
- Applying a hair and face mask
- Watch your favourite Netflix show or movie
- Take a bath
- Deep breathing
- Keeping journal
- Go for a short walk to your local park
- Call or face time a friend
- Roll out your mat and have a good stretch
- Light a few candles around the house
- Put your favourite music on blast
- Try cooking a new recipe
- Attend to your garden if you enjoy gardening
- Read a book
- Try learning about a new hobby, for example, making a candle or knitting
- Bring out the board games and play it with the family
- Listen to a podcast
- Clean the house (this can sometimes be therapeutic)
- Exercising (finding an activity you love e.g. swimming, playing sports, walking etc.)
- Seek out professional support (therapist, social worker, psychologist) through EAP or your GP
What are you doing today to practice self- care?
Share with us by leaving a comment below.
