How do I Find my Self-Care Routine?

The ability to engage in self-care is a key aspect in maintaining our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. This type of personal care can help to improve our quality of life and ability to manage stress by intentionally integrating enjoyable activities into our daily routines. Partaking in meaningful activities that foster self-compassion and resilience allows us to create a space for authentic and kind responses to inherent life challenges – a key ingredient in functional autonomy!  

Although the concept of self-care is a prevalent topic in today’s society, actual strategies and methods pertaining to self-care are often not taught as fundamental skills. Self-care shouldn’t be thought of as a chore, but rather the necessary time to recharge our battery in order to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves. Directing our compassion inwards helps us to develop an attitude of self-compassion and mindfulness, helping us reap the benefits of a healthier mind and body.

There are eight domains related to wellness and self-care, each of which encompasses its own ideas for self-care strategies. When thinking of different self-care activities to try, think about these domains and which of them could use a little extra TLC!

Below are some ideas that you can try incorporating into your routine:

Physical: Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy nutrition and adequate sleep. Try stretching, walking, resting, physical release, trying a healthy new recipe, yoga.

Emotional: Coping with life’s stressors and creating healthy relationships. Try forgiving yourself or someone else, compassion, random acts of kindness.

Social: Developing a sense of connection and belonging. Try setting boundaries, identifying support systems, spending quality time together, taking a phone detox, asking for help.

Spiritual: Expanding one’s sense of purpose and meaning. Try spending time alone, time in nature, meditation, journaling, creating a sacred space, prayer.

Personal: Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to explore new skills and knowledge. Try new hobbies and honouring your true self.

Spatial: Stimulating surroundings that support wellbeing. Try cleaning/tidying, reorganizing your space.

Financial: Satisfaction with current and future financial situations. Try saving, budgeting, paying bills, treating yourself (mindfully).

Occupational: Personal satisfaction with work. Try setting boundaries, taking breaks, keeping a time management journal, organizing your work space.

Remember that self-care is a practice, and it may take time to find the strategies and methods that work best for you. If you’d like to learn more and begin your journey at Changing Tides Counselling, email us at info@changingtidescounselling.com or book a FREE telephone consultation HERE.

References:

Clubhouse International. (n.d.). Improving mental health through wellness. https://clubhouse-intl.org/world-mental-health-day-2022/?gclid=CjwKCAjwpayjBhAnEiwA-7enawp9lUguo8jG3nUxRp9G0LT_VybkNVUAIa-9uv9N4a2xTzb4FKZQfhoCSHcQAvD_BwE

Coaston, S. C. (2017). Self-care through self-compassion: A balm for burnout. Professional Counselor, 7(3), 285-297.

Kapil, R. (2022). How and why to practice self-care. Mental Health First Aid. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2022/03/how-and-why-to-practice-self-care/

Mlinac, M. E., & Feng, M. E. (2016). Assessment of activities of daily Living, self-care, and independence. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 31(6), 506-516. https://doi.org/10.1093/arclin/acw049

Saltzman, L. Y., Hansel, T. C., & Bordnick, P. S. (2020). Loneliness, isolation, and social support factors in post-COVID-19 mental health. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(S1), S55–S57. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000703