Knowing how to take care of ourselves is essential. Many aspects of our lives can fall out of balance. That is why taking care of yourself is vital to your health, and it usually only takes a few minutes to cultivate a sense of wellness.

Sometimes, we need to step back and see what areas of our lives could use a bit of self-love and gentleness. Be honest with yourself and take the time to take care of yourself. There are many simple ways to incorporate a sense of well-being, and understanding the types of self-care will help pinpoint where you need to improve most.

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As a mom of two little ones, I know how hard it can be, so here are some quick and easy ways to practice more “me time.”

What is self-care?

According to the dictionary, self-care is:

noun

1. The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health.
2.  The method of taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being and happiness, particularly during stress.

Pretty simple and to the point.

Why don’t we practice self-care more?

We might know we need to practice taking care of ourselves, but often, stress and burnout happen, and we forget that we must take reasonable care. There are many reasons people do not:

• You might feel you don’t deserve to take care of yourself over others.
•  You might feel you need more time to take care of yourself.
•  You might feel it is selfish and should be putting others before yourself.

10 types of self-care to practice:

Mental

Mental self-care is about taking care of your state of mind. Finding ways to engage, stimulate, and cultivate a healthy mind.

• Complete a puzzle or play a game.
•  Read a book.
•  Write out a list of worries, then burn it or throw it away.
•  Smile.
•  Learn a new skill.
•  Listen to calming music or a podcast.
•  Meditate.
•  Take a nap and let your mind rest more.

Emotional

Emotional self-care is about a healthy connection to our emotions, good or bad. Finding ways to sit with and process the way we feel.

• Write down one thing you are grateful for.
•  Read a favorite poem or book passage that brings joy.
•  Write down or repeat a positive affirmation.
•  Using a mantra such as, “I am not my emotions.” or “This feeling will pass.”.
•  Complete a journal prompt.
•  Breathe with a count or mantra (ex., inhale for 4, exhale for 4, or breathe in, breathe out.)

Physical

Physical self-care is about caring for your body and often comes to mind when people think of self-care, finding ways to be well from the inside out.

• Drink water.
•  Strike a yoga pose.
•  Stand barefoot upon the earth.
•  Dance to your favorite song. 
•  Eat a piece of fresh fruit or dark chocolate.
•  Be active (cardio, dancing, walking, running.).
•  Take a hot bath with Epsom salt or lavender oil.

Spiritual

Spiritual self-care connects us to a higher power or more profound part of ourselves outside the mundane world. We are finding ways to reflect and be open to something bigger than we are.

• Say a quick prayer to whatever deity or energy you follow.
•  Practice loving kindness mediation.
•  Find a moment of stillness and self-reflect.
•  Read a passage from a book that supports your beliefs.
•  Honor or remember your ancestors. 
•  Volunteer/donate/charity work.

Need more ways to practice self-care during the seasons? Check out this post about winter self-care!

Sensory/Space

Sensory self-care is finding comfort in your surrounding space with whatever tools you have available when hard times find you. Find ways to calm your body and connect to your senses.

• Sit or lie under a weighted blanket.
•  Drink a warm cup of tea or coffee.
•  Unplug from screens; it only takes a moment to disconnect.
•  Light an incense or wax burner.
•  Grab noise-canceling headphones and listen to a calming song or ASMR track.
•  Cuddle with your cat, dog, or whatever companion animal you have.

Social

Social self-care is about connecting to loved ones and letting go of the daily grind with significant others. Find ways to connect, celebrate, and share with others around you.

• Cook a meal with someone.
•  Call someone who makes you feel good about yourself.
•  Snuggle up and watch a funny/romantic movie with your partner.
•  Play a game or read a book with your child.
•  Gather with your community at a festival or event.
•  Write a letter or send a card to someone you love (Everyone loves snail mail!).
•  Tell someone you love them.
•  Reach out to someone you trust when times are hard.

Practical

Practical self-care is about making our day more manageable, granting future selves more time and less stress, and finding ways to plan, organize, and structure our daily lives.

• Clean out your email inbox.
•  Plan your dinners for the week.
•  Write down all your appointments, events, and obligations in a calendar (digital or paper).
•  Setting out your clothes the night before.
•  Finding a space to declutter in your home.

Professional

Professional self-care is about finding balance in our work lives, the flow and fulfillment in our careers, and finding ways to learn, grow, and strive in our work environments.

• Make sure you take your lunch break.
•  Get to know your co-workers and cultivate work relationships.
•  Set healthy boundaries.
•  Don’t work when you are sick or need a mental health day.
•  Find ways to grow within your field with courses, mentors, or workshops.
•  Regularly reassess what your dreams and goals are.

Financial

Financial self-care is about having a healthy relationship with money and practicing good economic sense. Find ways to save, budget, and be more aware of our consumption.

• Have a budget in place.
•  Talk with a financial advisor.
•  Save back change and let it grow.
•  Take a course on how to manage your money.
•  Reading books or listening to podcasts about finances.
•  Making conscious, informed choices in what we buy.

Personal

Personal self-care is about authenticity, finding yourself, and growing as a human being. Find ways to flesh out your values and beliefs. It begins your path to all other areas of self-love and self-growth.

• Be by yourself to reflect.
•  Find a new hobby to enjoy.
•  Journal prompts that help you find yourself.
•  Let your true, authentic self shine through.
•  Find your core values.
•  Disconnect from screens.

Conclusion

Always remember that you are worth the time to take care of yourself. There are endless ways to care for yourself, and I hope you found some here.

In the comments below, let me know your favorite way to care for yourself.

Stay cozy and take care of yourself!