Holidays can bring about stress and what better way to manage it than practicing self-care? Self-care is something we hear a lot about but can have trouble practicing on a regular basis. So, what is self-care and how can you practice it?
Self-care is tending to our various areas of well-being. This post will discuss some of these areas and some realistic ways we can incorporate them into our routine to be able to “recharge our batteries”.
Physical
When people think of physical self-care, they often imagine themselves going to a fitness center, walking their dog, or biking. However, exercising isn’t the only way we can concentrate on our physical well-being.
Physical self-care also includes focusing on activities of daily living, such as sleeping, eating regularly, and grooming ourselves. Attending medical appointments and resting when feeling ill are other ways to pay attention to your physical self-care.
Emotional and Psychological
Emotional/psychological self-care is very important – so what can we do to nurture this area? Talking to a licensed therapist is one way, however others can include: journaling, engaging in your hobbies, and laughing. Taking time off from work/other responsibilities can be helpful in this area, along with setting boundaries in interpersonal relationships. For example, limiting your holiday interactions to those you feel happiest around.
Professional
Many of us spend a large portion of the week at work (or school). Have you ever worked through a lunch break because you had a deadline to meet or because someone asked you to complete an extra task? Ensuring you take your (lunch) break or saying no to taking on new roles, are great ways to reduce workplace burnout.
Spiritual
Spirituality has to do with getting in touch with different aspects of ourselves and the world. For someone with a religious background, this may include going to a place of worship and/or engaging in a form of prayer. For others, this can include connecting with nature or practicing mindfulness techniques and/or meditation.
Social
We are social beings by nature and as much as we might enjoy some time alone, spending time with others also helps us feel fulfilled in a different way. You can practice this by calling an old friend or joining a club to connect with those who share common interests.
Self-care is not selfish, and we cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking time to practice this is essential to our well-being. There are many ways we can incorporate just a few minutes of self-care into our day. Although it may not be realistic to practice each form daily, if we set small goals, we can pay more attention to areas we might have been ignoring.
Would you like to explore what is getting in the way of your self-care? Give me a call me at 860-258-4171 to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. Happy Holidays!
