The 6 types of self-care you need to consider
Self-care is vital for us to build resilience toward stressors in life that we can't eliminate.
Unfortunately, many people view self-care as a luxury, rather than a priority. They are therefore left feeling overwhelmed, tired, and ill-equipped to handle life's inevitable challenges.
It’s important to remember all aspects of self-care and not just focusing on one. Meditation is awesome, but it won't help to its maximum potential if you aren't getting adequate sleep. Or if you’re smashing the HIIT classes for stress relief at the gym but when you get home, you’re fuelling your body with inflammatory junk food.
It's important to assess how you're caring for yourself in several different self-care aspects so you can ensure you're looking after yourself in totality.
Below we break down the 6 types of self-care and how you can implement each one.
#1. Physical self-care
Physical self-care is not just about vanity, it’s about how you're looking after your body because there’s a strong connection between how you’re feeling physically and your mental health.
Activities to consider:
Get at least 7-8 sleep each night
Fuel your body with healthy and nutrient-rich food
Move your body daily (even if it is some seated stretches or a slow walk around the block)
Stay hydrated
Take any prescribed medications or supplements
#2. Intellectual self-care
Intellectual self-care is utilising activities that stimulate and expands your knowledge.
Activities to consider:
Create a habit of reading and swap between fiction and non-fiction
Try games that will test your thinking such as solving a puzzle or playing chess
Sign up for a course or workshop to learn something new
Watch a documentary on a topic you find interesting
#3. Social self-care
Loneliness is on the rise, so it’s very important that we prioritise time for friends, family and expanding our network.
Activities to consider:
Schedule face-to-face time with your friends and family
Make time to call or FaceTime loved ones who aren’t in close proximity to you
Prioritise your partner and plan a fun date
Reflect on how you can further nurture your relationships
Or be brave and strike up a convo with a stranger or DM someone you resonate with on IG
#4. Spiritual self-care
Spiritual self-care is activities that nurture your spirit and allows you to think bigger than yourself. It does not need to be religious, it involves anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, or connection.
Activities to consider:
Meditation
Pray
Yoga
Read or listen to a spiritual resource
Pull tarot or oracle cards
#5. Emotional self-care
Emotional self-care can include activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings on a regular basis.
Activities to consider:
Talking to a loved one about how you’re currently feeling
Journal on your triggers and thought patterns
Practice affirmations
Find a hobby to express yourself (e.g. painting, cooking, writing etc)
#6. Sensory self-care
Sensory self-care allows you to nourish your senses (sight, smell, touch, sound) which can help to lower stress levels.
Activities to consider:
Listening to soothing music or binaural beats
Put an oil diffuser on with your favourite blend or burn a candle
Practice grounding by walking barefoot on the grass or at the beach
Eat your favourite food
Go to an environment you find calming like the local park or watch a beautiful sunset