Heart racing, thoughts spiraling, head pounding, and still the list of tasks and assignments never seems to end. Maybe it’s not that intense. It could be boredom, lack of familiarity with yourself, and feeling stuck in a loop without a sense of relaxation. Sound familiar? If so, you require a social spa day with some fantastic self-care!
Self-care is a practice that many utilize when feeling stressed, overwhelmed, a little blue, or less confident. However, it is uncommon to hear of the practice as just a *practice*—a constant, yet vital, part of our daily routines. According to YouGov, only 32% of Americans have adapted self-care into their daily routines. That means only 32% of Americans are prioritizing their well-being. 43% reported practicing self-care at least once a week. Not even half of the population! There is a multitude of reasons why self-care isn’t high on the totem pole of already growing tasks. However, when we take a step back and shed a light on our situation, we can integrate self-care into our everyday actions!
Self-care is Being Mindful
Being mindful is a way to be aware and present. Many of our everyday tasks are already classified as self-care if only we were mindful about them. When you are washing dishes be conscious of the repetition and the rest it gives your mind. Roll your shoulders back and take deep breaths. When you are showering, putting on makeup, washing your face, and other daily rituals stay present! This can help you evaluate how you’re feeling, and what your body needs, and also provide a sense of security in the moment. Believe it or not we are being mindful when our alarms go off and we choose to lay in bed for just five more minutes! Already halfway there!
Self-Care is Listening
Listening is an action that most people will relate to others, while this is true in conversations in our context it is different. Listen to YOU! What is your body telling you it needs? What are you feeling? What emotions have been reoccurring? Listen to become self-aware and understand yourself. Own what you are feeling! Validate yourself and hold your head up high!
Listening is also about knowing when to run through lists, assignments, conversations, and memories versus when to let your mind relax. This can be achieved by listening to yourself. Do you need mental stimulation or background noise? Are you feeling down and could use music or an inspiring podcast or are you tired and concentration is causing strain? To listen mindfully is to appreciate what you need in the present moment.
Self-Care is Nutrition
Taking care of our bodies is vital, we need our bodies for everything. Self-care can be as easy as understanding that healthier foods may improve your health. Thus, improving how your body recovers both physically and mentally. Nutrition can also mean taking a break from a rigorous meal plan or a night of cooking! Everyone enjoys a good box of takeout, greasy pizza, or that one special chocolate/candy! There are aspects beyond food that are entangled in nutrition. Making sure to prioritize water intake, necessary vitamin consumption, and even allocating time within your schedule to ensure you are able to eat are all part of nutrition. Self-care isn’t about focusing on the specifics, it can be, however this article is about the basic interactions and tasks we encounter every day.
Self-Care is Relationships
Ugh… relationships how are those part of self-care. Trust me I understand that thought but hear me out! I promise it’s not when your partner leaves their shoes in the wrong spot or forgets to clean the dishes. Instead, being able to identify what kind of relationships are needed in our lives is vital to maintain balance. Are you in need of a date night, a long hug, or a heart-to-heart? Do you need to take a step back and evaluate friendships? Relationships can range from strangers to family. Even the relationship we hold with ourselves is important! Remember being self-aware equals having self-care! Taking time to check in with your mind and body is vital! The relationships we hold with classmates, professors, neighbors, coworkers, and even our own animals all effect our daily lives. If a relationship is causing mental distress or the opposite, causing major dopamine release those are what we value when challenging how to improve our ability to conduct self-care. The mind cannot focus on prioritizing wellbeing if it is focused on external issues!
Self-Care is Mental Health
This is the most important category in my personal opinion when it comes to self-care. Prioritizing your mental state and mental health is the ultimate goal. Nurturing your mind and providing it with optimal conditions to thrive helps us maintain order within our lives. Self-care can improve mental health as well as make it a little easier to handle. Breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, baking, crafting, and more are all activities that can be adapted to relax the body and decrease mental distress. Allocate time each week to just spend time on something that brings you joy! Eventually it will become habit, and you’ll find yourself practicing mindful self-care without a conscious attempt! I highly encourage a weighted stuffed plush as a self-care purchase. It will provide you with a dopamine release, plus they are really comforting when studying or when you’re feeling especially anxious or stressed.
Self-care is whatever you need it to be!
Overall, self-care is a unique practice that many of us are already familiar with but not active participants in. With an open perspective, a little mindfulness, and a sprinkle of glitter we can all become self-aware self-care masters. The glitter is completely optional but highly encouraged!
