Self-Care, Self-care, Self-care

Self-care, self-care, self-care. A mantra I heard over and over again during my grad school training years. It’s a mantra I find myself passing onto my clients on a regular basis, something that is integral to the healing process: “What are you going to do to take care of yourself this week?”

Sometimes “self-care” conjures images of extravagant self-pampering, a la Parks and Recreation’s “Treat Yo Self” day, filled with shopping and massages and fancy food. In reality, self-care may be much less exciting, but much more important.

Self-care is taking the time to pour into your tank so that you can continue to function well physically, emotionally, spiritually and relationally. You may have heard the metaphor that in the event of an emergency, airlines require you to put your own mask on before assisting others. Self-care is the oxygen mask that keeps you running, allowing you care for others well too. These activities recharge you, help you wind down, recenter you, and allow you to release the build up of life stressors without blowing up.

Intentionally creating routines and rhythms that sustain you, bring you life, work through feelings, center you, keep you healthy, bring peace, laughter, and joy are essential to your well-being. We are embodied people, so using our bodies in all the senses is a great way to engage in regular self-care.

Here are some great regular self-care options you can weave into your regular routines:

• Get enough sleep
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Sit outside in the sunshine
• Take a walk
• Journal regularly
• Talk with a close friend
• Shower regularly
• Cook
• Color or draw
• Paint your nails
• Exercise
• Read a book
• Laugh
• Cuddle with a pet
• Play a game
• Make something with your hands
• Take a technology time-out
• Hike
• Go to the beach or lake
• Spend time in the forest or mountains
• Listen to music
• Breathe mindfully
• Light a candle
• Pray or meditate
• Enjoy family time
• Have coffee with a friend
• Ride a bike
• Yoga
• Get some fresh air

What are you going to do to take care of yourself this week?