When a busy mom, professional, or athlete hears the words “self care” it can sound like “one more thing I’m falling behind on.”
Self care isn’t self-indulgence; it’s intentionally meeting the needs of your body, mind, and spirit so you can stay mentally, physically, and emotionally well. It means taking care of yourself so you can show up for your family, friends, work life, and social life. It’s ensuring you have the wherewithal to accomplish your daily tasks while maintaining a balanced connection with yourself and your loved ones.
There are many forms of self care, and no one-size-fits-all methods. It can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, taking a bath, giving yourself a face massage, or getting quality sleep! What’s important is to prioritize it, do it often, and ensure it’s quality time.
How To Start A Self-Care Routine
- Keep it simple!
- Choose activities that bring you joy, replenish your energy, and restore your balance.
- Add one or two activities to your weekly routine at a time; don’t make it overwhelming.
Types of Self Care
Physical Self-Care
What nutrients are you feeding your body? How much sleep are you getting, and is it quality sleep? Do you nourish and care for your skin? Are you getting regular exercise? Are you chronically tense or in pain?
Homework: identify one area you’d like to improve about your physical wellbeing and make a plan to take at least once corrective action this week.
Pro Tips:
1. Our Korean Beauty Sheet Masks and skincare products are the perfect, easy way to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin while relaxing and indulging in all-natural skin nourishment.
2. Use the KOAPRO Massage Tools for a relaxing anytime, anywhere massage. Decompress tight muscles and tissue, ease pain and tension, and improve your circulation, nerve activity, and range of motion.
Mental Self Care
What do you focus on? Are you clear-headed, or are negative thoughts clouding your mind? Do you feel generally happy and positive?
Homework: choose one positive behavior or habit that you will incorporate at least once a week. Some suggestions are: meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises.
Emotional Self Care
Did you know your body stores suppressed or unresolved trauma? When we let emotions get the best of us, we allow ourselves to be controlled by our traumas, which causes us to be reactive to stressful situations. It’s important to acknowledge and express your feelings and emotions, give yourself the nurturing and support you need, and then design the outlook you want to have on that situation or event, instead of letting it determine your happiness.
Homework: do you have a healthy way to process your emotions? What memory or life event is holding you back from living life to the fullest?
Spiritual Self Care
Nurturing your spirit doesn’t have to involve religion, but for many people, maintaining a close connection with a higher power helps them develop a deeper connection with themselves, others, and the universe. Whether you pray, meditate, attend a ceremony, or sit in silence, spiritual self-care is an important part of finding fulfillment.
Homework: find a spiritual practice that resonates with you, and practice it often.
Social Self Care
Human connection is vital to our wellbeing. Cultivating and maintaining quality relationships takes time and commitment, and everyone’s needs vary. The key is to find your perfect balance, and to invest in the relationships that bring you joy and a sense of belonging.
Homework: call a friend that you haven’t talked to in awhile. Tell them why you value them and their friendship.
Regular self-care has a number of important health benefits, including:
- Reducing stress and improving resilience
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Increased feelings of happiness
- Balanced energy
- Less overwhelm and burnout
- Stronger, more quality relationships
Here are some helpful things to consider as you’re building out your self care routine:
- Make a list of self care activities, make a plan, put it on your calendar, and make it a priority.
- Keep it simple and practical.
- Take small, consistent steps.
- Plan for schedule changes and challenges.
- Invite others to join you (if it helps you make it happen and/or enjoy your time)
- Be easy on yourself. You got this!
Your schedule and the ever-changing demands of your daily life can determine which types of self care you may need the most. Don’t wait until you’re burned out. Take the time to plan and prioritize the self care strategies that can help you face life’s challenges with certainty and ease.
Remember: you're worth it! xoxo