It’s hard to be of help to others when we’re struggling ourselves. That’s why self-care is so important. Prioritizing our own mental, emotional, and spiritual health ensures that we are well enough to be a source of strength and hope to our families, friends, and communities.
Here are 4 ways you can take care of yourself every day.
1. Honor your emotions, especially the ones that hurt.
It might be the last thing you want to do when you feel angry, sad, lonely, or hurt but learning how to accept those emotions as they arise can be a great skill. When you recognize and honor your emotions, you show that you respect and care for yourself even when you’re hurting.
2. Take care of your body…it’s the only one you’ve got.
Although self care can sometimes involve a pint of ice cream and a binge-worthy TV drama, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Eating healthy, getting enough exercise, and spending time outside in nature are essential ways to show how much you love yourself.
3. Leverage mental health resources.
From online support groups, private Telehealth sessions, and all manner of expert advice, there are so many mental health resources out there these days. Educate yourself about what tools are available to care for your mental health and make use of the ones that work best for you.
4. Care for the soul.
You truly practice self-care when you take care of the whole person. That includes your spiritual self. A daily meditation practice can be the foundation for spiritual self-care. On top of that, reading spiritual books, listening to talks by recognized spiritual teachers, and making time each year for some quiet retreat are all great ways to enrich your soul.
