Practicing self-care is a critical part of your wellness, and there is more than one way to develop a self-love habit. You can use different approaches and activities that address different types of self-care. Even small actions can create ripples that significantly impact your life.
Here’s a look at our seven favorite self-care types and suggestions to use.
Social self-care concentrates on nurturing relationships with friends and others outside your immediate family. This aspect of self-love helps us build connections and reduces stress. Whether you plan social activities, join a community garden, or invite friends for dinner, you strengthen those healing bonds.
Emotional self-care focuses on tending to feelings and emotions. You can practice emotional self-care by getting to know your feelings, keeping a gratitude journal, embracing laughter and limiting exposure to news or social media.
Physical self-care includes activities that help you take care of your body. To practice it, go for a walk, exercise, prioritize sleep, and try various healthier food options.
Recreational or personal self-care helps you take care of your inner child, take time away from your roles and responsibilities, and do things that bring you joy. Practice this by doing your favorite things like playing an instrument, listening to music, watching a movie, or playing a game.
Environmental or space self-care focuses on things around us. Spend time taking care of the space you dwell in so it benefits you. It includes organization, making it cozy, creating a safe place or limiting screen time.
Spiritual self-care aims to nourish the soul or spirit. It can mean different things for different people and does not necessarily mean religion. It can include meditation, guided imagery, going to a place of worship, being in nature, or setting time for self-reflection.
Financial self-care seeks to help you develop a positive relationship with money. Finance issues are high stressors for many people. You can cultivate a more positive outlook by setting financial goals, getting more money-wise, dealing with debt, or having positive affirmation about money.
WeSPARK’s unique model of care focuses on healing the mind, body and spirit trauma resulting from a cancer diagnosis. When you attend a support group, take a yoga class, or participate in a drum circle, you practice self-care, which nurtures the whole being.