The Six Categories of Self-Care
“Self-care” seems to be the new mental health buzz word that everyone is talking about, but what does it really mean? Proper self-care is more than just soaking in a bathtub or slapping on a face mask. It involves nourishing the most central parts of our wellbeing. Read on to learn more!
Physical
This category includes things that enrich your physical wellbeing.
Go for a walk, do yoga, build an exercise routine, or stretch
Eat healthy foods to nourish your body
Stay hydrated
Get 8 hours of sleep
Intellectual/Creative
Do things that stimulate your mind, such as:
Read a book (could be fiction, non-fiction, autobiographical)
Develop a new skill, such as learning a language or trying a new recipe
Play a word game or do a crossword puzzle
Watch a documentary on a subject that interests you
Spiritual
This type of self-care involves activities that nourish your soul.
Connecting with nature
Engaging with your religion or spiritual belief
Practicing meditation or yoga
Practical
This category may not be the most glamorous form of self-care, but it involves helpful activities that prevent future stressors, such as:
Creating a budget
Activities related to professional development
Scheduling a doctor’s appointment
Organizing your house and donating items that create clutter
Emotional
This kind of self-care helps you to reflect on emotions and sit with difficult feelings.
Write in a journal or keep a gratitude notebook
See a therapist
Express emotion through music, dance, or artwork
Engage in mindfulness practices
Create boundaries and stick to them
Social
Feeling a sense of belonging and connectedness to others is so important for our mental health.
Schedule a regular activity with family or friends (Sunday brunch, Thursday morning yoga class, Friday game night, etc.)
Join a club, group, or sports team to make new connections
Send a card or bake cookies for a friend, just because
Volunteer in your community (or at your local animal shelter)
Cook a meal with friends over Zoom or FaceTime