There’s definitely a perception out there that there’s a correct way to go about self-care. Like so many things in modern life, a lot of these misconceptions stem from social media — wherein self-care is painted to look almost like a type of consumerism.
The truth is that self-care can take on a number of different forms, and the only “right way” to do it is the way that works best for you.
There are handfuls of self-care subcategories, including physical self-care, emotional self-care, mental and spiritual self-care — you may find you prefer to focus on one in particular or spread your energy among them equally. Here are just a few examples of actions that fall into these subcategories.
- Physical Energy Self-Care: Eating well, exercising regularly, prioritizing sleep and taking care of your health.
- Emotional Energy Self-Care: Managing anxiety, anger, sadness, and other emotions. Setting boundaries with people who are not positive or supportive. Spending time alone to rest and recharge. Maintaining a bullet journal.
- Mental Energy Self-Care: Meditate, take a walk in nature, keep a daily journal, and read something positive at the beginning and end of your day.
- Spiritual Self-Care: Volunteering, connecting with nature, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, etc.
Remind yourself of the bigger picture and the core reason you are doing what you are doing and your private voice will guide you to make the decisions that serve your highest good.
Your daily self-care needs to include those things that you enjoy and inspire you, and sometimes are downright fun. Do what makes you feel good about yourself, be happy, and if you find an activity just doesn’t work for you, try something else!