5 Things You Need For True Self-Care

Self-care should be something that is built into your life, and it is more than just reading a book for a few minutes or taking an afternoon nap occasionally. Self-care is a round thing, so truly make sure that you are taking the best care of yourself; here are some areas you need to look at. 

Mental

What you think, how you think, and not taking care of your mental health greatly impact all areas of your life. And while you aren't going to cure your depression by taking a bath and walking, there are many different things you can do that help support a better mental state. 

It might take a while before you find the right things for you - but part of the fun is going to be experimenting until you find what works. 

Are you taking time out from the obligatory things to give your brain things to do? What mentally stimulates you? Have you noticed triggers or anything that will set you on a downward spiral? 

Social

In a modern world where there are so many demands on your time, it can be weeks between speaking to friends and family. It can be very helpful to have a few hours carved out every week to check in with people you care about. Taking care of our connections is important. 

It should be kept in mind, though, that everyone has different social needs - some people need people all the time, while others only need small amounts of social interaction. Find a level that works for you, and go with it. 

Ask yourself what you are doing to keep your relationships healthy and strong.

Physical

You need to ensure that you are taking care of your physical needs if you want to stay healthy and happy. Physical health is a key part of self-care. Make sure that you stick to all of the regular appointments like seeing your dentist every 6 months, heading to the doctor when something out of the ordinary happens - and, of course, moving your body in a way that feels good to you. 

Are you sleeping enough? When was the last time you worked out and started to sweat?

Spiritual

You don't need to pray every day, but research shows that people who are spiritual are often healthier and happier. This doesn't need to be a religious thing - spirituality is exploring one's self, the universe, connections, and understanding of where we fit and why. 

If you want to start getting on a more spiritual path, then start to look at what you have experienced, how you want to live going forward, and about life in general. See where it takes you. 

Emotion

One thing we might not realize is that we have unhealthy coping mechanisms for how we deal with our emotions. When we hit uncomfortable emotions like anger, sadness, and anxiety, they can trigger other things in us. They might cause over or under-eating, lack of sleep, short tempers, or turning to drink or drugs. 

Bonus tip: Ask for help when you need it

Many of us struggle to admit when we need help. We try to soldier on, often lying to ourselves and other people about the battles or challenges we face. One of the most effective ways to embrace self-care and start looking after yourself better is to ask for help when you need it. Whether you’ve just had a bad day, or you’re facing something incredibly difficult like addiction, it’s so important to reach out. 

It’s not easy to be open, especially if you’re worried about the reaction you’ll get, but there is help out there. Even if you feel you can’t approach friends and family members, there are individuals and organizations like Woburn Addiction Treatment that can help. Try to spot changes in your behavior or how you feel, and avoid triggers. If you reach a point where you feel you can’t cope, or you want to make changes, be open to getting help from others. One of the reasons why we struggle to talk about mental health is that, as a society, we don’t engage in open discussion. If everyone was more open, it would be much easier to engage in conversation. ​

Learn to work through your emotions in a healthier way - like journaling, therapy, or talking to people that you trust and who care about you. 

If you want to improve your life in many different ways, here are some more tips for you: How to Live your Best Life without Making Drastic Changes - My Life is a Journey Not a Destination: Lifestyle Blog. ​