What is Self-Care?

When you think of self-care, what do you think of? Bubble baths and face masks? An expensive massage at a spa? Maybe treating yourself after a long day of work with a pint of ice cream and binge-watching your favorite TV show? Through my experience as a mental health provider, this is what comes to many people’s minds when thinking about self-care, but that's not exactly what the term “self-care” means.

What is Self-Care, and Why is it Important?

Self-care involves creating consistent, healthy habits that promote overall well-being. To get a better idea, I want you to think of yourself as a cup filled with water. You pour yourself out to your friends, family, work, school, and all the other important things in your life. After a while, no more water is left to pour out, and your cup starts to become empty; this is called burnout.

Burnout is when you are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. This is usually when you begin to feel agitated, unmotivated, and like you are completely depleted of emotional and physical energy. This is an exhausting experience, and it can be hard to bounce back from; this is why participating in self-care is so important. Participating in self-care means doing the things that fill your cup back up and allow you to keep pouring yourself out to the things and people you care about.

Types of Self-Care

Self-care exists in categories that focus on different parts of a person and their life. A few types of self-care include:

Social Self Care

●    Set and honor boundaries with friends and family

●     Reach out and spend time with loved ones

●     Build new friendships and relationships

●     Be present in moments of connection

Financial Self-Care

●     Create a monthly budget for bills

●     Set reasonable financial goals

●     Set aside an extra allowance in your budget for things that bring you joy

●     Cancel unused subscriptions

Professional Self-Care

●     Set your phone on “do not disturb” when clocking out for the day

●     Set boundaries and say no to more tasks if your schedule is already booked

●     For every hour of work, take a five-minute break. If you work a desk job, stand up and stretch or go for a quick walk

Emotional Self-Care

●     Practice mindfulness by staying in the present moment

●     Be aware of your feelings by acknowledging and expressing them in healthy ways

●     Be intentional with your time and energy

Psychological Self-Care

●     List 5 things that you are grateful for before going to bed

●     Practice self-compassion

●     Challenge negative thinking patterns

●     Keep a journal to write your thoughts and feelings in

Physical Self-Care

●     Go for a 10-minute walk each day

●     Eat a well-balanced diet that makes your body feel energized

●     Drink plenty of water throughout the day

●     Prioritize getting enough sleep each night

Many people fall under the assumption that self-care is expensive, time-consuming, and a luxury for which no one has the energy. That is not the truth. Self-care is for everyone, and it promotes overall personal health and well-being.

Listed above are some common methods people use to care for themselves, but self-care is not one-size-fits-all; it looks different for everyone. Finding what works for you may take some time, but it’s worth it! Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Taking time for yourself replenishes your energy, boosts your mental health, and empowers you to face the world with renewed strength. Prioritize you—because you matter!