It’s time to discuss *all* aspects of self-care, including physical, mental, social, emotional, and environmental self-care.

We are here to support the self-care trend. It’s a legitimate technique to enhance or maintain your health. However, self-care may entail far more than bubble baths, candles, and face masks. (Though NGL, those things are pretty great, too.)

When we clarify exactly what aspect of our lives needs additional attention, we can do a better job of developing a self-care habit or routine to address it. For example, if you discover you’re feeling lonely, a bath alone is unlikely to help.

Instead, self-care may entail dialling a phone number and phoning an old buddy – even if you do it from the bathtub.

Here’s how you handle self-care in all of its manifestations, in every aspect of life.

What exactly is self-care?

Much like #situationship or #finfluencer, it appears that we (the internet) are collectively defining self-care as we go.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has an official definition: Self-care tools help people, families, and communities to: 

• promote health
• maintain health
• avoid disease
• cope with illness and disability

Researchers said in a 2021 study that self-care in a healthcare context involves the ability to care for oneself through:

• awareness 
• self-control
• self-reliance

So, obviously, self-care is critical to living a balanced, healthy, and happy existence. And, while there hasn’t been a lot of study on self-care, what we do know is encouraging.

Researchers discovered that self-care routines may help prevent sickness in a 2017 study. In addition, according to a 2018 study, medical students who practise self-care had less stress and a higher overall quality of life.

Different types of self-care

Not to sound like your teacher (don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz), but the five sorts of self-care to be aware of are as follows:

• Self-care on a bodily level
• Self-care for the mind
• Environmental self-care
• Self-care in social situations

When we are more clear about the sort of self-care we want, we can find it.

Self-care on a physical level

Physical self-care includes any activity that promotes your physical well-being. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of goods and services through the Internet. Whatever your requirement, everything that benefits your physical health comes under this category.

Some examples of physical self-care activities include:

1. exercise (whether it’s a stroll, hike, bike ride, Zumba, tennis or jumping squats in your living room)!
2. drinking from your new hydro flask to ensure you receive enough nice, good H2O
3. splurging on a posh salad and smoothie as a #treatyoself
4. obtaining a massage
5. attending acupuncture 
6. dancing (optional: alone in your room in your underwear)
7. sleeping when you’re tired (yes, napping is self-care)
8. making time to get enough

Self-care for the mind

Baby, you’ve got brains. Anything that feeds your mind is considered mental self-care. (or in some cases, lets it rest or reset). Because mental health is so important to overall health, you might want to try:

1. listening to an audiobook or podcast (you’ve probably heard this before)
2. going to a museum learning a new language or skill writing (whether it’s poetry or a message to your future self – shopping lists don’t count!)
3. performing a puzzle, sudoku, chess, or any brain-taxing game
4. taking a break from social media
5. reading a book and developing a positive mental attitude (PMA FTW)

Self-care on an emotional level

Emotional self-care refers to any activity that assists you in processing, dealing with, or reflecting on your emotions. Whether you’re on a rollercoaster or just feeling numb, taking care of your emotions is a terrific approach to achieving peace and balance in your life.

Some examples of emotional self-care activities are:

1. consulting a therapist (the people are right: they really do work)
2. discussing your feelings with a loved one
3. Keeping an emotional journal
4. expressing yourself via art (whether through painting, dancing, crafting a new dress, or filming TikTok/Reels videos)
5. contemplating and expressing thanks
6. repeating affirmations or mantras to lift your spirits (this song might be for kids, but Snoop Dogg gets it)
7. doing things that make you happy (pro tip: first, keep a notebook of what makes you happy).

Environmental self-care

Even when you’re away from home, everyone deserves a safe, secure, and comfortable home life. Environmental self-care encompasses all aspects of your living environment and may include:

1. making your bed first thing in the morning
2. decorating your house to make you happy (hint: twinkling lights aren’t only for kids)
3. taking a break (or staycation)
4. cleaning and organising your area (or hey, purifying the negative energy with some sage)
5. working from home on occasion (alternatively: working at a co-working space or coffee shop to get out of the house)
6. playing soothing music
7. a few candles lit
8. purchasing some houseplants
9. acquiring useful items that will make your life simpler (hello, closet organizer or instant coffee pot)
10. preparing your surroundings for healthy behaviours

Self-care on a social level

Even if you’re on #teamintrovert, you have to recognise that people require the company of other humans. We are social creatures, and research suggests that engaging with people may improve our overall health and fitness.

Some examples of social self-care include:

1. making regular phone calls to close ones
2. arranging a date night with your significant other
3. spending a gaming night with your pals while cuddling with your pet (or the pet of someone else)
4. mailing snail letter to your best friend
5. Volunteering with others, joining a team or organization, striking up a conversation with a kind stranger (even if it’s only in the checkout queue)
6. creating and adhering to appropriate limits
7. putting a timeout on your social media usage
8. refusing social invitations when you require alone time

Self-care in other areas

Self-care, like almost everything else in life, does not neatly fall into these boxes. There are many additional sorts that may appeal to you, such as:

Spiritual 

Going to a place of worship, spending time in nature, meditating, or journaling about the cosmos and your position in it are all examples of spiritual self-care. Spiritual self-care does not have to be religious; it may be anything that feeds your soul.

Practical 

Sometimes self-care entails thinking about the future you. This may include investing in a personal development course, defining and sticking to objectives, or simplifying your day-to-day duties with the aid of an app, a new planner, or even hiring an assistant.

Money

Finances are an unavoidable element of our life – and a very stressful part for some. Perhaps you need some financial self-care to build a healthy relationship with money. First, try analysing and reworking your money beliefs. The term “electronic commerce” refers to the sale of electronic goods. Setting aside “fun money,” engaging a financial counsellor, or utilising an app that facilitates saving or investing are among more options.

Individual 

Personal self-care is defined as everything that entails getting to know oneself better. Perhaps this is trying out new music and seeing how you enjoy it, responding to diary questions, or making lists of what you like and why. And why not go on a date with yourself?! In the process, you could find a new interest.

And, to be honest, self-care may mean whatever it entails for you.