All The Kinds of Self-Care
Self-care is so important for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Incorporating self-care into a daily routine can allow your body to rest and recover, discover higher energy levels, increase endorphin and other happy chemical release, and nourish your body in the best of ways. There are a plethora of ways we can exhibit self-care, as there are so many aspects of our well-being that need care. Below are the different categories of self-care and the ways in which we can best honor each category.
Physical Self-Care
Taking care of our physical well-beings is such an important part of self-care, and probably the category we know the most about in terms of self-care. Moving our bodies and nourishing our bodies in the ways the feel best is a great way to show our body some love. It does not need to be an intense workout, or ‘perfect’ healthy diet; this kind of self-care should be something you enjoy, that helps you, not something you dread or feel is an obligation.
Ways to Honor:
Yoga
Daily walk
Trying a new recipe that you enjoy
Spiritual Self-Care
This kind of self-care can be so beneficial for our mental headspace. While being in touch with your own religion could fall in this category, it doesn’t have to mean religion. This category is so helpful in nourishing your soul and spirit. Through this kind of self-care, it allows self-reflection and soul searching, allowing you to think about and find your own purpose and meaning in life. Especially when we feel stuck in our same old routines, this kind of self-care can be very helpful.
Ways to Honor:
Spending time & connecting with nature
Reading religious philosophy
Meditating
Social Self-Care
Social self-care is one of the most important categories, and this is because as humans, connection with others is part of our nature. Whether it be though familial connections, friendships, romantic relationships, or even work acquaintances, social connections help maintain a positive mental headspace. This can look different for everyone, as every relationship is different in nature. Especially if you are an introvert, your idea of social connection may look different than your extrovert counterparts, and that is perfectly okay. There is no right way to show self-care in this category.
Ways to Honor:
Spending quality time with family
Reconnecting with old friends
Doing activities you enjoy with friends
Emotional Self-Care
Checking in with our emotional state is incredibly important in maintaining a healthy and positive headspace. In this category, self-care allows us to become in tune with ourselves and our emotions and making sure we feel and acknowledge the emotions that freely enter and exit. It’s about being mindful of our emotions and thinking patterns and allowing ourselves to feel them and heal, rather than cope with them in an unhealthy way.
Ways to Honor:
Journaling
Creative outlets (writing, painting, etc.)
Therapy
Sensory Self-Care
This category is the least practiced, but it can reap the biggest benefits. When we practice sensory self-care, we are connecting with our five senses. When we become really in tune with our senses, it can be incredibly grounding. Noticing the way the ground is supporting our bodies, the smells we smell, the sensations we feel, and the noises we hear can keep us incredibly present in the present moment. This can in turn calm our nervous systems down, provide mental clarity, and allow us to enjoy each moment.
Ways to Honor:
Walk barefoot in the grass
Take a relaxing bath
Burn your favorite candle
Intellectual Self-Care
This category of self-care is often neglected, as we sometimes feel we are mentally challenged enough naturally by life. Yet, it is so important to keep our mind active and nourished, beyond the stressful activities we face in daily life. In this category, we are nourishing and challenging our mind in healthy ways. Among the many benefits of this category, this kind of self-care can help expand your knowledge while keeping your mind active and stimulated.
Ways to Honor:
Read a book
Play a game of Scrabble
Watch a documentary
