What is Self-Care, Anyway?

Self-care has been getting more press lately, but it still might sound confusing. The definition of self-care, according to Christine Meinecke, Ph.D, is “choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors.”

Self-care is important for everyone, and a pre-requisite for connecting in a meaningful way. If you are a healer of any kind (mothering, fathering, teaching and caregiving definitely count!) it is important to be more purposeful about your own self-care, especially if you feel you lack the time. Self-care is the first step to standing your sacred ground, and creating better, more empowered connections in – and outside of – your work.

Here are 4 helpful areas to keep in mind when adding a self-care routine into your life:

1. 1) Write down 5 reasons to care for YOU, EVEN WHEN _______________. In other words, what makes YOU unique, helpful, inspiring? When you are at your best, in your “zone” what do you look like? These will be great reminders for why self-care rituals & breaks are important; even when ________ (meetings, state tests, playoffs, deadlines, etc…)

2. 2) Begin to pay attention to when you need more self-care, and what those signs are. What do you look like, sound like, feel like when you need more self-care (this is your “shadow self”; the traits you might hate to admit you have, but that are there -just simply part of being a human!).

3. 3) Find your team. It is important to know who is in your inner circle, who you can count on to be on your self-care team. Whether they are family or friends, these are YOUR people, who you can count on when you are stuck.  Aim for at least 3-5, and write their phone numbers down too.

4. 4) Try lots of different types of self-care, and find what works best for you. When you find things that work well, make a note of what they are- and ideally, schedule them in your calendar!

Want ideas? Here are several healthy self-care options:

• Eating healthfully

• Box Breathing

• Exercise

• Getting enough sleep

• Acknowledging our needs

• Setting healthy boundaries

• Making a plan for a goal

• Grounding yourself in the present moment

• Connecting with others

• Listening to uplifting music

• Laughing

• Playing games with friends

• Saying no to extra requests

• Counseling

• Understanding needs you might have at work, and how to create rituals in your day to meet those needs

• Leaving work at work

• Spending time outside

• Scheduling the week ahead on Sunday mornings

• Reading for fun

• Gardening

• Dancing

• Watching a funny movie with a friend

• Singing

• Cooking

• Baking

• Joining a support group

• Taking a trip/vacation

• Getting a massage

• Watching a sunset

• Playing an instrument

• Meditation & prayer

• Petting an animal

• Lighting candles

• Smiling

• Assess your SUDS

• Do your chores (yes, really!)

• Keeping letters & notes from former bosses or employees to remind you of your strengths

Thanks for reading!

-Gillian

 

 

 

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Gillian Amaro, LPC-S

I believe that we, as individuals, can create joy, love, and purpose in our lives through authentic connection. I love empowering women, couples & teens to feel comfortable with who they are & gain insight about how they connect with others. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor and offer individual, family & couples sessions, as well as group therapy. My passion for counseling & healthy communication includes stepping out of the office to facilitate workshops and CEU trainings.

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392 W. Mill St. New Braunfels, TX 78130

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