A Comprehensive Approach to Self-Care
When you hear the term self-care, what comes to mind? Often, it’s getting a pedicure, booking a massage, or taking a spa day. At Resonance, we agree that these are wonderful forms of self-care, but comprehensive self-care is more than any one of those things. Those small (or large) breaks in routine to do something for yourself are important, but when self-care begins and ends with those moments, it often falls flat when the stresses of life resume.
Self-care as a whole should provide more than just a break from routine and relaxation. It should also seek to improve your wellness throughout the day and be part of your normal routine. It’s about being proactive in decisions, so the daily stresses of life are not too much to handle.
Set boundaries
Creating boundaries for yourself in your interactions with others is a critical aspect of self-care. It provides a framework for you to make decisions that you can fall back on and that truly protect your wellbeing. To do this, identify the things that create stress or tension for you. Seek to set boundaries around these things to protect your energy. If you have never thought about boundaries or if you are not sure where to begin, Nedra Glover Tawwab’s book Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself is a great resource.
Know your priorities
There will always be more things to give attention to than time allows. Know your priorities and spend your time and energy on them first. Knowing your priorities is simply understanding the most important things in life and spending the appropriate amounts of time and energy on those things. Sometimes, things are priorities because they are necessary, but there are many things that are priorities because they are important to who you are or want to be. Consider who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to live. Once you do this, concentrate time and energy on the biggest priorities.
Make time to recharge
Being on the go all the time isn’t good for any of us. Find some space and time to recharge, whether that’s through quality time with friends or binging a favorite TV show. This is the part of self-care that includes getting a massage or pedicure or your favorite type of pampering. This is when stepping away from daily life, in whatever form works for you, feeds your soul.
Stay connected to yourself and others
This category of self-care includes meditation, prayer, journaling, therapy, connection to community, and any other activity that helps you stay better connected with yourself and to others around you. These types of activities are critical in reducing stress and managing anxiety. If they’re not currently part of your self-care practice, try some different options to find what works for you.
Care for your body
Self-care should extend to all parts of life. Caring for your body is just as important as caring for your soul and spiritual self. Get enough sleep. Eat your fruits and vegetables. Do a little yoga or some focused stretching most days of the week. A healthy body feels good and impacts your mental health, as well.
As you seek to improve your routine, do not limit yourself to one aspect of self-care. Consider your life as a whole, and see where you can inject self-care that will affect all areas of your life.