Happy International Self-Care Day!
As a certified life coach and yoga teacher, it is my job to remind you to care for yourself, today… and everyday.
If you think self-care means time alone to regroup, which it most certainly does, it is also so much more. Today, I’d like to share Jane’s work from Habits of Wellbeing in her 8 Different Areas of Self-Care. This is so beautifully explained to you.
8 Different Areas of Self-Care
- Physical self-care: involves movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep, rest, physical touch, and sexual needs. Some examples of physical self-care include –
- going for a walk on the beach,
- having an epsom salt bath,
- learning a new dance routine,
- getting enough sleep, and
- eating nourishing foods.
- Psychological self-care: involves learning new things, applying consequential thinking, engaging intrinsic motivation, practising mindfulness and creativity. Some examples of psychological self-care include –
- practising mindfulness,
- journalling,
- reading a book,
- learning or teaching a new skill, and
- doing a digital detox.
- Emotional self-care: involves enhancing emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy, managing stress effectively and developing compassion for self and others. Some examples of emotional self-care include –
- writing in a gratitude jar or gratitude journal,
- saying no,
- make time for reflecting on feelings and developing emotional literacy,
- practising self-compassion, and
- being aware of my own boundaries.
- Social self-care: involves having a supportive group and network of relationships around you whom you trust and turn to when required. Having caring and supportive people around you builds a sense of belonging and connectedness. Some examples of social self-care include –
- belong to 3 groups or communities outside of work;
- honouring your commitments to other people (i.e. do what you say you are going to do);
- ask for help when you need it,
- meet new people, and
- go walking with family and/or friends.
- Professional self-care: involves sharing your strengths and gifts, having clear professional boundaries, whilst living your purpose. Some examples of professional self-care include –
- eating a nourishing lunch each day at work,
- negotiating your needs,
- having clear professional boundaries,
- knowing your roles and responsibilities, and
- attending professional developing or having coaching.
- Environmental self-care: involves having an organised, well maintained and clutter-free work, business and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well maintained mode of transport. Also minimising waste and monitoring technology time. Some examples of environmental self-care include –
- decluttering your home or work environment,
- recycling as much as possible,
- monitoring technology time,
- cleaning up after a meal, and
- maintaining and clean and safe living environment.
- Spiritual self-care: involves the beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life. This includes pursuing your noble goals and the practices that support you developing spiritual awareness. Some examples of spiritual self-care include –
- meditating,
- reflecting in a journal,
- volunteering at a local organisation,
- going on a retreat, and
- walking in nature.
- Financial self-care: involves being responsible with your finances (i.e. living expenses, income, insurances, savings etc.) and having a conscious relationship with money. Some examples of financial self-care include –
- knowing where your income is coming in,
- knowing where your expenses are due and paying them on time,
- keeping your insurances up to date,
- completing your tax responsibilities on time, and
- opening and saving money wisely.
PRETTY GOOD STUFF, RIGHT?
In addition, here are 20 things you can do NOW to enhance your wellbeing and practice self-love on International Self-Care Day.
20 things you can do NOW to enhance your wellbeing:
1. Watch a funny movie
2. Create a great music playlist
3. Take a yoga class. How about any of mine? Click here.
4. Look through old pictures
5. Create or update your Bucket List
6. Take a hot bath with lavender. And then why not a hot cup of tea with a magazine to keep the good vibes flowing?
7. Buy yourself some fresh herbs to grow in your kitchen
8. Create your own vase of lemons and limes. I did that this past weekend. It was a gift for me, by me, and I’m in love.
9. Watch an inspirational TED Talk
10. Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and book a lunch or coffee date with them (properly distanced of course)
11. Sign up to volunteer in your local community safely or online
12. Bake a cake! Brownies anyone?
13. Take a moment to talk to a homeless person on the street today. I promise, it will bring enlightened perspective.
14. Start a gratitude journal – immediately write down 3 things you are actually grateful for today, July 24th, 2020
15. Download a guided meditation app or podcast and start a daily meditation practice. It’s changed my life. My blood pressure is the lowest it’s ever been in my entire life. I credit it to my increased yoga and meditation practice.
16. Clean out and declutter a room in your home. Start with one room or even just a space – and then add some fresh flowers or candles to brighten it up. There is tremendous calm and enjoyment in decluttering. I decluttered my ottoman in my den, and I just love it. I sit there and read.
17. Take a 25 minute walk tonight – no excuses. No phone. Look up. Enjoy nature.
18. Invest in a weighted blanket – they are scientifically proven to regulate hormones for elevated mood and optimal sleep.
19. Do 40 jumping jacks! Yes, it’s like being a kid all over again. Hell, do it to loud music. It will get the blood pumping, and you WILL feel better. It instantly elevates your mood and activates various muscle groups in your body. The rigorous calisthenic movements help improve your stamina, are a great exercise for your cardiovascular system, and helps relieve stress.
20. HAVE SEX – YES, EVEN IF IT’S JUST WITH YOURSELF.
So, my beautiful people, I invite you today on International Self-Care Day to make a REAL self-care date with yourself. Remember my prescription: 30-60 minutes daily of self-care, whatever is pleasurable to YOU, you make time. Self-care will make your world a better place, and then the ripple-effect will spiral out… the world will feel it too.
Sending love,
