There are some people who think that SELF-CARE equates to selfishness or self-indulgence. Well, this is far from the truth. I particularly like this quote from Audre Lorde, an American writer and professor, which says, "Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." There are lots of benefits to reap from practicing self-care. It is therefore a practice that we should embrace wholeheartedly. Self-care can be defined as intentionally taking action to adopt practices that promote wellbeing, health, and management of illnesses when they occur. Simply put, it means taking care of yourself so that you can function holistically.
There are several pillars of self-care that touch on every aspect of your life. These include:
1. Mental Self-Care
Mental self-care entails activities that help to minimize stress levels and free up your mind. Journaling, engaging in activities that jog your mind, meditating, going for therapy, adopting a positive mindset and practicing gratitude are some forms of mental self-care.
2. Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care is about mastering your emotions and how to express yourself. This improves the understanding of one’s self, how to positively express yourself and how to respond to life’s challenges and setbacks in a healthy manner for overall wellbeing.
One may choose to set boundaries, use positive self-talk and affirmations, ask for help when needed, understand your emotional needs and triggers, and set aside ‘me-time’ as a way of emotional self-care.
3. Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care involves taking care of your body and physical well-being. This leads to increased energy levels and improved physical appearance that in turn boosts self-esteem. Moreover, a healthy body responds better to daily life stresses.
Examples of physical self-care are:
- Eating a nutritious and balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking water
- Having adequate sleep
- Taking a relaxing bath
- Sitting in sunlight
- Practicing yoga
- Skin care
- Reducing alcohol intake and smoking, etc.
4. Environmental Self-Care
Environmental self-care is taking care of your surroundings because the places and spaces around us have an impact on how we feel. A great environment helps to motivate us and keeps stress and feelings of being overwhelmed at bay.
Environmental self-care can therefore entail:
- Decluttering your home or office space
- Keeping a beautiful garden
- Spending time in nature
- Brightening your room with natural light
- Lighting up candles
- Hanging artwork in your spaces
- Tidying spaces
- Washing dishes
- Opening the windows for fresh air
- Making your bed every morning
- Regularly changing your bed sheets
5. Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care is about nourishing your soul, connecting to a higher power and practicing activities that give life meaning, direction, or purpose.
For some people, it involves trusting in God and strengthening their connection and faith in God. Spiritual self-care helps us to stay at peace during turbulent times as we are confident that a higher being is in control.
Attending a mass or church service, identifying your values and what is important to you, praying, reading the scripture, listening to uplifting music, volunteering in church or in causes you believe in, and being part of spiritual enrichment groups are examples of spiritual self-care activities.
6. Recreational Self-Care
Recreational self-care involves taking part in your hobbies, fun activities and creating new experiences. Recreational activities reduce stress and boredom, promote relaxation and good mental and physical health.
Swimming, going to the movies, hiking, traveling, reading, taking a road trip or visiting a museum are a few examples. No one knows yourself better than you, so do that which sets your soul on fire.
7. Social Self-Care
Although self-care is all about you, it is important to connect with other people to foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.
This means cultivating healthy relationships with people who understand and appreciate you, make you feel uplifted and challenge you to be a better version of yourself.
Social self-care activities can include:
- Calling or seeing relatives and friends
- Spending time with friends
- Joining common interest groups
- Learning a new language
- Scheduling lunch breaks with your coworkers.
Self-care is important as it keeps us well and healthy. This means that we are able to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves and complete the tasks that we are required to do at work. It also means that we are able to help others when needed. All the pillars of self-care are intertwined and don’t cost an arm and a leg to practice.
NGO work can be quite stressful, leading to burnout. Advocating for others or for a cause is tasking and can often lead to exhaustion. Sometimes NGO workers are also exposed to traumatic situations. Self-care can help maintain stability and a positive mindset, which keeps you going. It is therefore advisable to adopt a proactive self-care routine that will promote personal well-being, interpersonal relationships, and improved work performance.
"Self-Care Is Not Self-Indulgence, It Is Self-Preservation."
— AUDRE LORDE
