Self-care: What is it? How am I supposed to do it? How much time is this going to take?
If you're anything like me, I'm sure these are the first things that come to mind when we think of self-care. Starting a self-care routine that is sustainable can sound so overwhelming most don't know where to start. But it doesn't have to be that hard...I promise it's not!
This is where I come in! Let me help you create a self-care routine that you love.
I want to first start by breaking down what I call the 3 pillars of self-care. These are the 3 areas to think about when building out your self-care routine or self-care day. Self-care is all about taking time to refill your cup because we all know you can't pour from an empty cup. The 3 areas that are quick to empty are Physical, Emotional and Mental well-being. When these areas are full we can begin to truly grow, love and appreciate ourselves.
First up...Physical Well-Being and how this connects to our self-care.
Physical well-being plays a significant role in self-care as it provides the necessary energy and stamina to work towards personal growth goals. When we take care of our physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest, we feel more focused, motivated, and confident in pursuing our aspirations. Additionally, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle can improve our mental health and overall well-being, which can positively impact our self-improvement journey.
I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is every workout routine, suggestion or video you've seen in the past week but don't get overwhelmed here. This is as simple as a daily walk or maybe a 10 minute yoga stretch in the morning. Find a physical activity that you like and that fits in your schedule. The healthy eating doesn't have to be a strict diet or counting calories this is all about creating balance. I like to use divider plates and make sure I have a balance of veggies, fruit and protein for each meal. I don't make anything special but I'm conscious of how much and what types of foods I grab each meal. The take away here should be find your balance and what works for you!
Next up...Emotional Well-Being and how this connects to our self-care.
Emotional well-being plays a significant role in self-care because it affects our ability to cope with stress, make positive changes, and maintain healthy habits. When we prioritize our emotional health, we are more likely to have the motivation, resilience, and optimism needed to achieve our goals and enhance our overall well-being.
This doesn't have to be a big change or addition to anything that you're currently doing. This is as simple as changing the language we use with ourselves to have a positive connotation. For example, I used to tell myself all the time "I don't have..." or "I want to be better at..." while these are true statements it's sending a message of emptiness or missing to ourselves. We can switch this to speaking in the positive now "I have all I need" or even "I have all that I want." Adding in affirmations either by way of statement or song is a great way to start working on your emotional well-being and balance.
The Third Pillar...Mental Well-Being and how this connects to our self-care.
Mental well-being plays a crucial role in self-care as it can affect one's motivation, focus, and ability to cope with challenges. When we prioritize our mental health and take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to work towards our goals and make positive changes in our lives. Conversely, neglecting our mental well-being can hinder our progress and make it harder to achieve our desired outcomes.
I used to think that emotional and mental well-being were the same thing and once I was able to separate the two I was finally able to see progress and feel the shift within myself. We have so much coming at us each day between careers, family, friends, etc. that our mental check ins tend to take a back seat. I've found that journaling even for a few short minutes each day has really allowed me to bring my focus back to me and how I'm doing each day. Using daily journal prompts has been a life saver for me as well. Each day I have a question to answer to help me focus and reflect on a true check in with myself.
Physical, emotional, and mental well-being are all interconnected and play important roles in self-care. Taking care of your body through exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient rest can positively impact emotional and mental health. Prioritizing self-care in all three areas can lead to an overall improvement in well-being and a more fulfilling life.
XOXO
Meg