What is Self Care?

What exactly is self care? Some of us ask ourselves this daily. The textbook definition of self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's own health or the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. However self care actually looks different from person to person. Everyone has their niche of what relaxes them. Self care is the act of taking care of yourself and relaxing. Self care is any activity that helps you to be at a calm and peaceful state. There are several things that individuals use for self care.

Self care can range from a number of activities. I will list a few here:

Taking a nice relaxing walk. It can be on a trail through nature, a park, or your neighborhood.
Watching your favorite show or movie.
A bubble bath.
Meditation.
Listening to music.
Reading a good book
Journaling.
Using LED lights.
Practicing Mindfulness.
Exercising.
Talking With a Friend.
Eating Healthy or Eating not so Healthy.
Getting Adequate sleep.
Citing Affirmations.

Self care also come in many forms. These forms can include:

Physical Self Care
Emotional Self Care
Spiritual Self Care
Intellectual Self Care
Social Self Care
Sensorial Self Care
Environmental Self care
Financial Self Care
Space Self Care
Work Self Care
Personal Self Care

Self care will also look different between an introvert and an extrovert. Self care can help you to be more self aware and focused. You can easily get burned out on any aspect of life. It is essential as you learn self care to have you an EMERGENCY SELF CARE WALL. It doesn’t literally have to be a wall but a space where you have some self care items that are easily accessible.

As I wrap this up I want to give you a list of some of the most common myths of self care.

Self care is an indulgence.
Self care is selfish.
Self care is a one time experience.
Self care is time consuming.

All of these are complete myths. Self care is about repairing yourself. You have to remember that you can not continue to give from and empty cup. You have to refuel and refill yourself. Self care should take place as often as you need it to. The time it takes for self care is totally up to you. It does not have to be time consuming.

To jump start your self care routine let’s try this self care count down.

10 minutes of power napping

9 servings of fruits and vegetables

8 glasses of water everyday

7 hours of sleep at night (at least)

6 minutes of visuals and affirmations

5 minutes of meditation

4 short breaks during the work day

3 minutes of gratitude journaling

2 hours of digital disconnection before bed

1 sweat, stretch, or movement session.

Make sure you comment and let me know if you try the count down and how it worked for you…