There is a way to make self-care more achievable. Taking good care of yourself is possible even if it doesn’t feel possible at the moment. I’m living proof and trust me when I say, I know how hard it is to establish healthy self-care routines and continue to stick to them.
Self-care can be difficult when you are not used to taking care of yourself. I always put my kids first, not wanting them to feel the impact of their father’s alcoholism on their lives. Everything I did, was to protect my kids, at all cost – even my own mental health.
If you tend to focus on other people’s feelings and needs and are great at taking care of other people, you’ll find this helpful. Keep reading to find out how to make self-care more achievable, even in the busiest of lives.
We all know that there’s only one way to eat an elephant. One bite at a time. These are wise words from Desmond Tutu. The things that seem daunting, overwhelming, and even impossible can be accomplished gradually by taking on just a little at a time. And yes, this applies to self-care too.
To make self-care more achievable, group self-care into different areas. Then pick one thing that resonates with you and find a way to incorporate that one thing into your daily life.
Body/Physical Self-care
Physical self-care is probably one of the more understood and obvious areas of self-care. It’s all about taking care of your body and your physical health.
- Exercise. Move that body.
- Nutrition and diet.
- Drink enough water every day. (I started with this one)
- Getting enough sleep.
- Bathing/cleansing. Hygiene is important.
Mind Self-care
Taking care of your mind is another area of self-care that can include taking care of your emotional well-being and your psychological well-being, the health of your mind.
- Practice mindfulness.
- Limit the use of digital devices.
- Learn something new.
- Practice self-compassion.
- Set emotional boundaries.
- Learn to say no.
- Read a book.
- Acknowledge your feelings.
- Professional self development.
Spiritual Self-care
It’s important to honour what we value in life. When we are aware of our beliefs and values and live in a way that is in alignment with those values and beliefs, life becomes more in flow, and easier.
- Spend time in nature.
- Meditate.
- Write in a journal.
- Go on a retreat or a yoga workshop.
Space/Environment Self-care
Taking a look at the space around you, in your home, car, office, it can say a lot about how you feel inside. Keeping things clean, clutter-free and organised can help you feel the same in your mind.
- Tidy up in your home and your office.
- De-clutter.
- Clean your car.
- Keep on top of laundry/ the dishes.
Financial Self-care
Your relationship with money, your financial worries, can have a direct impact on your mental health. Taking time out of your life to focus on your finances is choosing to empower yourself and improve your wellbeing.
- Don’t ignore it.
- Check your balances.
- Budget.
- Become aware of your money habits and assess them. Are they good or bad?
- Set financial goals.
- Ask for help.
Social Self-care
If the pandemic taught us anything, it was how we are social creatures, and how we need physical touch and time with other people.
- Spend time with friends and family.
- Ask for help and accepting it when it’s offered.
- Meet new people.
- Honour commitments to others.
So how do we eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Start by picking one thing. Then add one more thing from a different area of self-care. Then another as you feel ready to. It takes times and remember, it’s easier when you practice self-care with others. Join the Blossome community and connect with others who are committed to their self-care.
