Self-Care

I’m not sure how many times I’ve said ‘mind yourself’ or ‘take care’ when saying goodbye. Recently, someone replied ‘Caroline, I don’t know how’. I suggested that I’d write an article to outline some of the ways we can look after ourselves and exercise self-care. This is for you – you know who you are!

I’ve been thinking about how I ‘mind’ myself. There are a few things that I am consistent with such as allowing sufficient time for sleep, regularly drinking water, bringing fruit and nuts for snacking (which often stops me buying crisps or chocolate). Walking around the block in between appointments means I regularly stand up, move and leave the office even if only for short bursts. I wear clothes and footwear that are comfortable rather than ever looking dressy and I listen to loud music. I try to only have one morning coffee and I take a long evening walk.

But what is self-care? In my experience, it can include anything that benefits our wellbeing, that helps us feel good and keeps us healthy and resilient. Life has ups and downs and caring for ourselves in the okay times helps us to cope when not-so-okay times arrive.

Self-care is unique to each individual. What forms part of my self-care routine may not suit the next person. You might need quiet time away from people and I might need to be in the middle of chatty company. I may need to slow down while you might need to speed up!

After reading this, perhaps write a plan of action for your daily/weekly self-care routine. It’s not a to-do list it is an aspirational goals list. We might not get to do everything every day, but we can always do some. There is no bad feeling if we don’t do everything! Sometimes I eat crisps and chocolate and have two coffees or don’t get out for a long walk and that’s just the way life is!

We can divide our self-care routine into various different areas as follows:

Physical self-care
Move more. Hydrate. Have a bubbly bath. Light candles. Stretch. Sleep at night time, rest when necessary, eat nourishing foods keeping ultra-processed foods to a minimum. Care for your body. Slow down your breath.

Emotional self-care
Learn to say ‘no’. Be aware of emotions and reactions. Journal. Develop gratitude for the simple things in your day-to-day life. Identify emotional triggers. Be responsible for actions. Accept yourself. Challenge unhelpful thoughts and reactions.

Social self-care
Make time to connect. Build relationships with caring people. Ask for help when needed. Meet people to engage in activities outside of work/home. Meet real people in real time. Reduce screen time.

Spiritual self-care
Spend time alone. Connect with yourself and the universe. Whether or not you are religious, examine the values and beliefs that guide you.

Psychological self-care
Exercise mindfulness, acceptance, self-compassion, creativity. Fuel your mind (e.g. writing, movies, reading, puzzles). Cardio is a great brain protector! Mistakes are part of being human, learn how to let yourself off the hook! Watch your self-talk. Rid yourself of your mental ‘mind bully’. Solve problems that cause you worry or stress.

Environmental self-care
Spend time in nature. Live and work in an uncluttered, relaxing environment. Wear comfy, clean clothes. Recycle. Minimise waste. Enjoy your surroundings.

Financial self-care
Be conscious and responsible with finances. Prioritise debt (especially credit card). Be mindful about purchases and spending. Determine needs-vs-wants. Consciously spend and save.

Work self-care
Leave work at work. Log off and stay logged off until your next workday or shift begins. Value your time. Have clear boundaries with your work time. Have meetings outdoors whenever possible. Value your role. Say no and explain why. Enjoy doing your best. Take breaks away from your desk.

Please note: The above will not suit everyone. If you are living with a chronic health condition, walking fast for example may not be an option. These are simply some suggestions. Whenever you think of something you enjoy, that nurtures you, add that to your self-care list.

Choose whatever improves your mood and make that your priority – mind you – please!

What self-care practice can you incorporate into your day today?

www.carolinecrotty.ie

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