What is Self-care?

One of the definitions of self-care is "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress." In other words, it means doing things for yourself that feel nourishing. Self-care benefits include higher self-esteem, reduced stress, improved immune system, and increased productivity.

Self-care can include:

  • Calming and relaxing activities.

  • Something that you need to get done.

  • Something physical, spiritual, or practical.

It will not look the same for everyone. It's essentially about listening to your body and mind and deciding what you need at that moment in time. 

To get started, first think of activities that bring you joy and restore your energy. Start by choosing one practice you'd like to incorporate into your routine and reflect on how this makes you feel. You can practice one or several activities, depending on your needs at a particular moment. For instance, a person might need a massage and a nap, while another may need to go and volunteer for a shelter to feel recharged; that is the beauty of self-care. It is individualized and very personal, but it should always feel beneficial.

Some examples of self-care activities that I've heard during my practice are: read a book, listen to music, get a manicure, sleep at a reasonable time each night, go to the doctor, light up candles, drink tea, exercise, turn the phone off for one hour, meditate, write in a gratitude journal, go out with friends, use a special coffee mug, buy myself something nice, volunteer for a local charity, declutter my house, get a haircut, eat a healthy snack, write in a journal, eat chocolate, pray, etc. 

What is your favorite self-care practice?

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Hydrate your body