Self-Care for All of Us

There is a lot of talk about self-care and plenty of ideas about what it is. I am all for self-care and recognizing our own needs. I do believe that it can be indulgent from time to time. A little pick me up or treat, a spa day, or whatever luxury floats your boat. 

That being said, it is only one side of self-care. It is also a bit financially draining. Does that mean if we can’t afford it we just don’t do self-care? Nope! Let’s look at redefining self-care. Well, literally defining it as taking care of oneself. What might that mean?

Self-care in the day to day, meeting our basic needs, and available to everyone:

1. Saying no.
2. Knowing our values and priorities and saying yes to things that align.
3. Going to the doctor/dentist/chiropractor.
4. Taking the vitamins, supplements, and medications that your body needs, every day.
5. Connecting with nature.
6. Moving your body in a way that is comfortable and beneficial for you.
7. Pausing. Resting.
8. Having an evening wind down routine, sleep hygiene. 
9. Meditation.
10. Therapy.
11. Having a creative outlet (singing, drawing, dancing, crafting, music, cooking etc).
12. Make a budget, financial plan that works for you.
13. Quality time with friends/loved ones; alone time to recharge.
14. Having a Spiritual outlet.
15. Respecting our own boundaries and needs.

What might you add to the list? We can find ways to include the luxuries that are sometimes seen as self-care at home. When we make time for ourselves to do the things we love, enjoy, or are passionate about that can also be self-care. A big part of self-care should be spreading it around to all aspects of our lives. When our house is in order- our minds, our bodies, our finances, and our emotional needs met- we can find increased well-being.