Practicing self-care is a lot more than scheduling a manicure
By Tanya R Bankston, MA, LLPC, CAADC-DP
The Myth Of Self Care
Self Care is all the rage right now, but all too often we hear “self-care” and instantly picture a manicure, pedicure, or body massage as the epitome of self-care, but it is so much more than that.
In fact, self-care has many facets and dimensions that can include physical, emotional, spiritual, personal, professional, educational, and several other categories. I like to define self-care as, “Being good to yourself and caring for yourself.”
Self Care Is A Lifelong Strategy
Developing a self-care regimen that is multifaceted and holistic requires diligence, intentionality, and strategy. If you make self-care automatic, you’ll create habits you can depend on to see you through major setbacks or minor irritations.
Self Care Is A Decision
The decision to protect your health and wellbeing will give you the strength you need to succeed in other areas of life. Ironically, we often abandon self-care just when we need it the most.
Furthermore, feeling overburdened and overwhelmed can make you more likely to skip meals, reduce sleep, miss workouts, or neglect your self-care. Use these tips to start developing your own personal self-care plan.
Physical Self Care Tips
1. Eat whole foods.
Get most of your calories from natural foods, especially vegetables and fruits. Cutting back on processed foods will eliminate most of the empty calories and excess sugar and salt in your diet.
2. Manage your weight.
Being overweight or obese can drain your energy and increase your risk for serious health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. Control portion sizes and talks with your doctor if you need more help.
3. Stay hydrated.
Your body needs water to perform its functions, including controlling your heart rate and digesting food. While most adults require about 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, you can usually rely on your sense of thirst to figure out your individual needs.
4. Stay active.
Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine helps you stay fit. Stand up while you’re talking on the phone and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Little steps improve your overall health.
5. Exercise regularly.
also need regular workouts for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. Find a variety of activities that you’ll enjoy doing for at least a half-hour three days a week.
Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Self-Care Tips
1. Think positive.
Studies show that optimists live longer and have stronger immune systems. Look on the bright side and count your blessings. Journal.
2. Sleep well.
Sleep provides a time for restoration and rejuvenation. Go to bed and rise on a consistent schedule. Turn off the television, block out street lights and noises if they’re keeping you up at night. Turn down the settings on your digital devices, or turn them off completely at night. Do we really need to stroll social media in the wee hours of the morning?
3. Manage stress.
Find relaxation practices that work for you. You might enjoy soaking in a warm bath, yoga, or meditating in a quiet spot. Ok, I guess a good body massage would be a great form also.
4. Take frequent breaks.
Scheduling some downtime makes you more productive. Stand up and stretch when you’re working at the office, or virtually. Pause in between errands to drink a cup of tea and calm your mind. STOP! Just spend some time doing absolutely NOTHING for a while. STOP!
5. Delegate wisely.
Focus on the tasks that match your strengths. Try to transfer the rest of your responsibilities to others, whether that means hiring a housecleaner or trading assignments with a co-worker. We do ourselves well by getting off the multi-tasking hamster wheel. Oh, reduce procrastination…this is a separate point by itself, but I thought, why wait? Add it NOW! No need to procrastinate.
6. Develop a hobby.
Fill your leisure time with meaningful activities. Creative pastimes can help you relax and feel accomplished. Taking time to create does wonder for renewing and refreshing us mentally/and emotionally.
7. Be assertive.
Stand up for yourself. Ask for what you need tactfully and directly. Remember that you are worthy of respect and consideration. How we see ourselves sets the tone for how we allow others to treat us.
8. Stay connected.
Cultivate close relationships with family and friends. Make time in your schedule for the family. Regular connection with family and friends helps to
reduce stress and keep us grounded.
9. Seek inspiration.
Find something that motivates you. You might want to join a prayer group at your church or connect with nature by taking a walk. Several months ago, I added to my self-care routine by purchasing a small bouquet of flowers each week to stop and smell the flowers.
A Self Care Strategy Is A Right And A Responsibility
Reduce stress and accomplish more by making self-care a top priority. Treating yourself with compassion and kindness is essential to your mental and physical health. I tell myself often that self-care is my divine right, it is non-negotiable. What can you do today to add to your self-care ritual? Finding helpful self-care ideas for women and students is our specialty. We want to help you find a realistic self-care routine for your lifestyle.
Begin In-Person or Online Therapy to Get Some Helpful Self-Care Tips!
Discovering how self-care tips help your mental, emotional, and spiritual health is important. Our therapists are happy to help you discover self-care ideas for women and self-care ideas for students. Our Detroit, MI counseling practice has caring therapists who specialize in individual online therapy. We are truly ready to meet you where you are at. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Contact Introspective Counseling
- Meet with one of our empathetic therapists for life transitions counseling
- Start putting yourself first, guilt-free!
