Self-Care – What is it, and why do we all need it?
Self-care has been a repeated theme with me lately. For the longest time, I was proud of how I showed up for myself. I was finally putting that mask on me, caring for me so I could be my best self for others. However, lately I am receiving messages from so many directions. The message is the same – Self-care.
Why? Why does this message keep showing up for me? I was doing such a great job or so I thought. Oddly enough, I had even written it down as an action for myself to write social media content about it. As I stepped back to reflect and understand why I was being frequently reminded I realized that although I am doing a great job of taking care of myself on almost every self-care front, there was one that I was lacking in – Spirituality. I have not been showing up for myself with my spiritual self-care like I used to. Reflecting back, I realized that when I was tired or busy it was the work that I gave up. This is quite shocking for me because I truly feel it is one of the most important.
Self-care encourages you to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. When you show up for yourself you are able to show up for others in the best possible way. It is an active choice that we all need to make. It is being kind to yourself, nurturing yourself, loving yourself.
There are 8 key areas of Self-Care that I would like to highlight:
Physical – getting adequate sleep, stretching, walking, consuming healthy food, exercise, wellness exams, meal planning
Emotional – Kindness, Compassion, Managing Stress, Forgiveness, listening to music
Social – Creating boundaries, positive social media, creating a support system around me
Spiritual – Meditation, Nature, Journaling, Practicing gratitude, reflection, prayer, praise
Financial – Saving, Budgeting, money management, splurging, paying bills, investing
Work – Time management, breaks, learning, creating work boundaries, open your own business, run your own business
Intellectual – read, complete puzzles, be creative, take a class, audiobooks, watch documentaries
Environmental – Take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, soak in the sun feeling the warmth, view the stars in the sky, organize and clean space, pick up litter, energetically supportive, safe
As I take time to review these areas and be honest with myself, my spiritual work has truly been cut back. I have slacked off in this area for reasons that I can’t quite define. However, having this reflection time I will commit to myself that I will bring that spiritual self-care front and center moving forward.
Why is spiritual self-care so important?
Spiritual self-care contains actions that can deepen your connection with your higher self, with your source, with your inner power. It allows time for you to truly reflect on who you are. You are able to tap into your core values and your soul, it can provide a level of peace and it can ground you.
What are some exercises for practicing Spiritual Self-Care?
Meditate – provides support on the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional levels and helps to settle and ground you. During meditation, you can connect to your guides, your source, your soul and receive guidance. It removes noise and prevents ego from stepping in. Meditation can be done in many ways:
Guided Meditation
You are led through mental images of places or situations by a guide or teacher
Concentration Meditation
Focus on a single point, your breath, a mantra, single word
Mindfulness Meditation
Observe your thoughts – don’t analyze them just observe
Nature Meditation
Art of being outdoors solely focused on your hearing and visual senses
Practice Gratitude – begin each day or end each day being grateful. Create a list of what you are grateful for that day. Remember what you put out, you get back, being grateful raises your vibration and therefore opens you up to receive all that the Universe can provide. Use a journal or write letters to others letting them know you are grateful for them.
Spend time in nature – It encourages you to take deep breathes, to reflect, is a form of meditation, it encourages mindfulness, and can raise a vibration leaving you feeling happy and grounded.
Journaling – Allows you to release all that you may be carrying. It allows you to free yourself and reflect on what you are feeling. It allows you to become more filled with gratitude and love.
Affirmations – Create affirmations on a regular basis. They encourage you to act, concentrate on your goals, they can help change negative thought patterns to positive ones and can really help you see yourself in a loving way.
Pray – Pray to source, to God, the Universe, a loved one that has passed. I use this time to be thankful, to ask for guidance or direction, to express emotions. This is an action that can help fill you up but also help you to release what no longer serves you emotionally.
I challenge all of you to review the list above. Take inventory on yourselves. Ask yourself, “Am I really showing up for myself in all of these areas? “
If the answer is no, what things can you do to commit to yourself in those areas?
Sending Love and Light,
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