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Self-Care Series: Levels of Self-Care
October 21, 2020
Self-Care on 8 Levels
Self-care is important more than ever due to the whirlwind we have all experienced this past year. An individual often takes steps to care for their physical and emotional well-being, but self-care involves so much more.
Here we will explore 8 different levels of self-care and options on how you can implement them into your daily wellness regimen. Although addressing all in one day would be ideal, just try to ensure that you incorporate each at least once or twice a week.
- Physical: Of course we all know that getting physical activity into our day is important. Some believe in an all-or-nothing approach. i.e "If I can't do a strenuous workout for at least 30-45 minutes, what's the point"? Small things add up. At work, do some chair yoga intermittently throughout your day. Still at home working...get up and do 10 jumping jacks every hour. Of course if you do have time to dedicate an hour it doesn't have to be strenuous. Try to be mindful of your movement during exercise to help ground the mind and body.
- Emotional: Our emotional health is so important and yet highly neglected. Why we don't teach children about emotions, the importance of them and how to manage effectively is concerning. Be mindful of triggers that you have and thinking patterns you may fall in. Re-read my blog about stinking thinking. The more awareness you have into your triggers and the subconscious thinking patterns that correlate, the more emotionally grounded you will be. Practice by creating a behavior chain analysis. Think of an event that created a big emotion for you. Write it down and for each thought/belief write down the emotion and the reaction due to the activating event. Think about how you would like to think and react if such an event happened again. Of course, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. The underlying beliefs didn't occur over night, so it will take time to "re-train" your brain.
- Intellectual: As we age our brain synapses deteriorate as well as mental strength & clarity. Just as you would work on strengthening your body, you must challenge your brain. You have to nourish and challenge your mind. Do crosswords, read daily and of course sleep and rest is vital for this organ to restore.
- Spiritual: This does not necessarily mean religious healing, although it can for some. This is ultimately nourishing your soul. In this level you are obtaining your purpose, peace and establishing or finding meaning in your life. This can look like meditation, yoga, daily journals, getting out with nature or prayer. Connect with yourself and those that are important in your life.
- Social: This is about building and restoring connections. Take time to actually engage with people (not via text, zoom etc). I know this has been a tricky one due to the pandemic but be creative. Host socially distanced events, take a walk with a friend, or engage your family in game night. Anything that is quality time (try with no electronics). Work on establishing healthy boundaries with others and determine who may be having negative energy in your life. You may want to weed out those individuals to help bring more positive energy.
- Sensory: Here you are nourishing all the senses. This can look like expressing gratitude or literally doing something to "reward" each sense. Examples: Smell: light your favorite incense, cook something that brings up amazing memories for you. Sight: Gaze at a favorite photo, cut out pics of things that delight you and make a collage, watch nature scenes on your computer. Sound: Listen to something that brightens your day. Pick a favorite song or listen to soundscapes. Touch: Cuddle up with that soft blanket, pet your animal, indulge in a bath and feel the sensations. Taste: Place a piece of dark chocolate in your mouth and let it melt before swallowing, cook a favorite meal and savor the tastes.
- Environment: Yep we addressed the de-cluttering and how this can be a benefit. It is also important to ensure that your living environment is safe. Enhance your space by decorating.
- Financial: Take time to work on identifying any areas where you can cut back financially. Spend time to find deals and "clip" digital coupons to help with saving on items you normally purchase.
"I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent.
Caring for myself is an act of survival".
-Audre Lorde
"An empty lantern provides no light.
Self-care is the fuel that allows your
light
to shine brightly".
-Hellobombshell.com
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MAIN PHONE: 513-321-8000 Columbia Tusculum3724 Eastern Ave.Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Columbia Tusculum
3724 Eastern Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226