Self-Care
Self-Care: to look after my health and well-being and get my needs met
Important to me because...I want to feel physically, mentally and emotionally well to contribute to a long and fulfilling life. I chose self-care over Fitness because it allows me to capture the overall wellness value that is important to me. There will always be unknowns and factors that are out of my control regarding health, but I want to do everything I can to know that I contributed to being strong & healthy in all forms.
Will be in my life through...continued focus on physical Fitness and being aware of habits that manage stress and make me feel cared for. I will make time for small daily and weekly relaxing and soothing habits that make me feel confident, strong and well.
Self-care has no fixed format or compulsory habits, how it shows up in anyone’s life is very personalized. I strive to reflect self-care in my life in various forms. I maintain a regular exercise routine, choose healthy foods and aim for adequate sleep. I also view self-care as doing things for myself that I find enjoyable or relaxing; this includes reading, building Lego with my husband, hot baths and skincare.
Five ideas for self-care:
Move your body: whether this includes working out at a gym, stretching or walks with your dog, movement is vital for a healthy body.
Practice gratitude: find ways to regularly highlight what you are grateful for in your life and yourself.
Pursue hobbies and passions: there are endless possibilities for what might interest you. If you’re not sure what you are interested in or what hobbies you want to develop in your life, give yourself opportunities to try out ideas. Other values may likely influence your hobbies.
Listen to favourite music: research shows that music can positively impact mood and emotion regulation. You can use music to match your mood or pull you toward an emotional shift when needed.
Develop healthy sleep hygiene: our bodies and minds need rest. Develop a routine that helps you wind down and easily sleep in the evening. Consider your environment and how it impacts your ability to get adequate rest.
“We need to replace your vicious stress cycle with a vicious cycle of self-care.” – Sara Gottfried