Self Care Strategies – More Than a Luxury Spa Day!

When you think of the term “self-care,” do images of spa days and bubble baths come to mind? While it’s true that self-care can definitely include pampering yourself from time to time, self-care is about a lot more than treating yourself to a luxury day. You need to expand your strategies!

True self-care means that you take time to address your needs and take care of your body and mind. It can be a very small, simple act or a large gesture, but it is never limited to luxury cosmetic treatments or expensive shopping sprees.

In last month's article, we explored WHY self-care is so important. This post is a follow to to discuss HOW to self-care. While a spa day is one great idea, let’s explore other effective self-care strategies.

You Are the Master of Your Own Self-Care

As its name implies, self-care can only be performed and maintained by one person: you.

Self-care is most effective when it is used often and in a variety of different ways. It’s challenging for so many people because we tend to stay very busy and to constantly put other people before ourselves. To practice self-care, we must regularly make ourselves and our well-being a top priority.

Learning how to properly care for yourself can be challenging, but you can learn how over time. Consider the following three strategies for improving your self-care:

1. Be In Tune With Yourself

In our busy world, it can be incredibly difficult to simply stop, slow down, and listen to our own bodies and minds. Part of self-care is learning to how be in tune with yourself and to recognize your own needs.

Many people find comfort in simple self-care techniques such as controlling their breathing or using an essential oil diffuser.

Several times each day, do a quick self-check-in. Assess how you are feeling physically and mentally. Are you overwhelmed, angry, exhausted, or stressed? What can you do to help alleviate these feelings?

Strive to be in tune enough with yourself to recognize when you need a break—and then let yourself have it.

2. Do Not Be Critical

There is absolutely nothing wrong with needing to take a short time-out for yourself during the day. Needing self-care is not a sign of weakness—rather, it is a sign that you are strong enough to know when you need to recharge.

In your self-care, do not be critical or allow negative thoughts to linger. You are doing exactly what you need to be doing in order to take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

3. Have a Handful of Go-To Methods

Life is stressful, and you may not always be able to practice your self-care within the comfort of your own home. Self-care matters all of the time. Therefore, you need to be able to rely on it no matter where you are.

One of the best self-care strategies you can have is to have a handful of simple go-to activities or coping methods that you can use anywhere.

Sample ideas include dancing, going for a walk, putting on a soothing lotion, taking a power nap, writing in a gratitude journal, listening to your favorite song, playing with a pet, or doing a small act of service for someone else.

Consistency Is Key

Self-care is not an act you can perform one time and then check off of your to-do list. If you want to feel fulfilled, connected, balanced, and whole, you must learn to practice self-care daily. You may find it helpful to block off time in your schedule and keep this appointment with yourself. Safe-guard it like any other serious appointment, and don't let other things crowd it out.

There are hundreds of simple ways you can enrich your body, mind, and soul through self-care. If you are struggling to begin, start by focusing on only one small act each day that will lift your mood or lighten your anxiety. As you get more comfortable, add more strategies to your toolkit. Over time, you will feel lighter, happier, and better-equipped to face life’s challenges.

Contact Me

If you’re struggling with self-care or you’re not sure how to put yourself first, please feel free to contact me. We can work on a few different ideas, and help you develop more insight into why taking care of yourself is so important especially when you’re dealing with a chronic illness or pain.

If you would like help in developing or implementing any of these ideas, please reach out to me.

I know how stressful and demanding it can be to make changes in your life, but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.   Some of the benefits of individual therapy include:

• Having a safe, confidential space to work through life’s struggles
• Speaking openly with a highly-trained professional
• Learning to be curious about oneself and become more mindful about your choices
• Identifying relationship patterns that are helpful, or existing patterns that are interfering with your growth and well-being.
• I offer online therapy (video conference style of therapy), which provides increased level of comfort as you could meet with me from the privacy and comfort of your own home or other location.

You can request a specific appointment time that fits your schedule. Once confirmed, you can complete all New Patient Intake paperwork online as well.

*** The tips offered in this article are for general information and should not be considered medical or psychological advice. For more personalized recommendations appropriate to your individual situation, please contact us or obtain professional guidance.

Related Articles on Chronic Illness

Sensory Self-Care Kit

Coping with Chronic Illness

Why Self-Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

Coping with Chronic Illness - How to Maintain a Positive Outlook

My Chronic Illness is NOT All in My Head

Mindfulness - What it Is and How it Can Help