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:
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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…)
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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!).
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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.
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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:
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Eating healthfully
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Box Breathing
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Exercise
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Getting enough sleep
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Acknowledging our needs
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Setting healthy boundaries
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Making a plan for a goal
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Grounding yourself in the present moment
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Connecting with others
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Listening to uplifting music
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Laughing
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Playing games with friends
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Saying no to extra requests
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Counseling
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Understanding needs you might have at work, and how to create rituals in your day to meet those needs
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Leaving work at work
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Spending time outside
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Scheduling the week ahead on Sunday mornings
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Reading for fun
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Gardening
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Dancing
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Watching a funny movie with a friend
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Singing
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Cooking
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Baking
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Joining a support group
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Taking a trip/vacation
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Getting a massage
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Watching a sunset
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Playing an instrument
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Meditation & prayer
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Petting an animal
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Lighting candles
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Smiling
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Assess your SUDS
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Do your chores (yes, really!)
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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
www.aspireNB.com
Facebook: @AspireNewBraunfels
