What is self care, really?

The term self care is beginning to enter the realm of ‘pop-psychology’.  Similar to ‘toxic relationship’ or ‘gaslighting’. So let’s clear this up.

A good working definition of self care is the act of attending to one’s well being.  Yes, that is highly general. I know, you’re saying, “how am I supposed to implement that?!”  I’m so glad you asked!

What is an activity that helps you feel content, clears your mind, that you generally enjoy?  Does it harm your body physically? Does it hurt anyone else? No? GREAT! That’s self care! Your self care activities are going to look completely different than mine, than your siblings’, than your friends’.  There may be some overlap because we are all human and people enjoy similar things (I’m thinking about cake specifically…).

Here are some things to remember about self care: 1. You get to decide what is self care for YOU, 2. It is important to engage in self care regularly, and 3. Each person benefits from engaging in many different kinds of self care.  

Examples of self care include but are not limited to

1. Taking your prescribed medications every day as prescribed,
   
2. Eating healthfully,
   
3. Getting moderate exercise multiple times a week,
   
4. Sleeping 7-9hours per night,
   
5. Going on a vacation,
   
6. Spending time with friends and family,
   
7. Spending time alone,
   
8. Meditating,
   
9. Being in nature,
   
10. Dancing,
    
11. Engaging in your spirituality (whether that is going to a house of worship or collecting crystals, or both), and of course,
    
12. Eating cake.
    

Some of those examples are daily activities, habits that will improve our general health and well being.  Others are things we may look forward to doing at the end of the day or once a year.

Engaging in self care activities can be the difference between managing or being completely overwhelmed by stress, mental health symptoms, annoying coworkers.  

Now you have a better idea of how to define and what to consider self care, so we can work on what is the best combination for you!