Embrace self-care as a necessity in daily life. Some people are so busy that they find no time to reflect and check in with themselves to understand how we manage the stress in our lives. Stress will affect our ability to function optimally and keep our balance. This is the first step to consider when reflecting on well-being.
Often people can’t find time in daily life for self-care. Perhaps they were too strained to stop and recognize the need for self-care. An example would be a working mother who has little time for herself but needs this time for stillness and reflection. But with all the stressors she manages her need for self-care is the most important she needs to schedule in her life to maintain her wellness. It doesn't have to take much time. It does require a plan to make changes in her routines to maximize her health and well-being.
Wellness begins with consideration of five areas of your personal life to optimize your power with self-care. Physical self-care, emotional self-care, mental self-care, social self-care, and spiritual self-care. There can be a balance. Creating a balance in these areas leads to a greater sense of well-being.
Taking care of your body involves getting enough sleep. Sleep is a time of restoration and improves your ability to think clearly and function better. Try to find time for small breaks in the day. Even a ten-minute walk in nature can help restore your balance. Fuel your body with good food! There are plenty of resources to help you choose the right diet to maintain optimal vitamins and minerals. This will help you find the energy needed to maintain a steady energy flow during the day. Exercise calms the mind. Find some time to do some light exercise.
Emotional self-care involves having healthy coping skills to deal with your emotions. Having the ability to talk about your feelings with someone is a means to help you process your emotions. There are also many support groups and counseling services available to guide you through if you feel you are struggling with severe problems.
Mental self-care involves finding things you enjoy that stimulate your mind. It might be learning something that interests you. Reading books interesting books is a good way to keep your mind sharp. If you travel, listening to podcasts is a good way to learn something new. Just find something you are interested in and learn about how it works. Your acceptance and care for your needs will sustain a balanced mind.
Social self-care is important too. We are wired to have connections with others to find well-being. Discern your level of need to achieve balance in this way. Some people only need a small circle of friends and others want a wide circle of friends to find balance. Also, be sure you are having face time with friends. Electronic media has a place in your life but can’t replace in-person social activities. Book clubs are a good example of social activity.
Spiritual self-care is important to our [inner and outer] self-care. This can mean going to a service at your church or a conversation with your pastor. It can also mean meditation to connect. Some people enjoy yoga or Tai Chi which encompasses both physical and spiritual self-care.
Try to develop a plan that fits well into your lifestyle. Remember that it doesn’t take a great amount of time from your daily activities to take care of your wellness. It just takes the ability to understand where you need to work to make you stronger and more resilient to the outside stressors that arise in your life. The harmony between body, mind, and spirit is a fulfilling experience. The daily practice of self-care is an entrance into your power.
Be well!
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Post written by Pat Davison, R.N., Reiki Master, and Healing Touch Practitioner
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