3 Critical Areas of Self Care
coffee, flowers, and care
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "self-care?"
Perhaps indulging in activities like manicure, massage, or spa treatment of some kind. Maybe a girls trip or vacation of some sort. Perhaps retail shopping or meditation. All of are appropriate answers. I am a believer that self care is whatever type of DESIRED care the self needs at the time (that may just be a long hot shower or nap). The concept of self-care has evolved most recently in both theory and practice. It is now more broad and all encompassing dependent on who is seeking it.
From a wellness coaching perspective, self care also includes the more vital parts of care: nutrition, body, and mind. These relationships with our overall holistic wellness are directly related to more preventative and proactive individual care. It also puts the responsibility of care onto oneself, creating a standard of care that revolves around everyday lifestyle decisions instead of an occasional action.
As we live through the Groundhog Day of these uncertain times, it is more critical than ever to identify areas of self-care we can intentionally practice.
Body
Balanced Meals: This simply means meals have the three major macro-nutrient components: protein, carbohydrate, and fat. By fueling the body with nutrient-dense whole foods, we can move throughout our day more productively.
Water: It's no secret that drinking water is an essential part of the body's needs, but how much water should someone drink? There are various ideas about the amount of water needed. A simple method is to take your current body weight and divide it by 2. That equals the total ounces of water you should be drinking to maintain appropriate hydration, effectively flush your system of toxins, and keep your metabolism engaged.
Mind
Movement:- Your body is made to move. It is designed to be active. This brings the heart pumping blood moving, helps with digestion, and activates the nervous system. Try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of activity every day, even if it's a simple walk.
Sleep: Sleep is a critical component of self-care. It's often the first thing overlooked and undervalued. Sleep allows our body to recover and reset for the upcoming day. Getting a restful night's sleep of at least 6-8 hours will allow you to feel and work at your peak capacity.
Spirit
Gratitude: It seems like such a simple thing, but having a positive and grateful mindset is one of the most powerful tools in our self-care regimen. It is stressful, and daily pressures can quickly take over and feel suffocating. Re-framing what is complicated or even less than desirable into an opportunity for growth through gratitude can drastically change the overall outlook of one's day.
Journal: This doesn't have to be complicated or lengthy. It can simply be sitting down at the start of your day with a notebook and jotting down 5 goals for the day or taking 20 minutes to vent about something you need to get off your chest. It can be a place of creative development or an area of sanctity and emotional rehabilitation. However it works for you, the act of writing down and getting thoughts out of your mind and onto paper clears the head and heart to receive what is new.
When it comes to self-care, you should take a literal approach to practice leaning into areas of your life which make you feel intentionally good. It doesn't have to be extravagant or ornate but somewhat intentional and consistent. Simple everyday acts of kindness towards your mind, body, and spirit practiced habitually will allow your routine care of self to be more plausible.
Self-care is vital to the overall wellness of mind, body, and spirit. So, despite the difficult circumstances we face daily, world wide events, and personal road blocks we come across, we must embrace the importance of these practices as we continue to Warrior Forward.
