Incorporating Self-Care into your Busy Life
Have you ever heard the saying “You have to put on your own oxygen mask before you help someone else put theirs on” ? Do you struggle applying this to your own life? Without taking the time to care for yourself, or put on your own oxygen mask, you’ll surely experience the symptoms of burnout rather quickly. Careers, family obligations, social pressures, side hustles and financial strains can each cause stress and push us to give more than what is naturally indented for our bodies and minds.
Sure, it’s great to invest in your career and be an engaged employee, but that doesn’t mean you need to eat, sleep, breathe your job. Similarly, family, while well intended, can often drain us with constant needs and questioning. In order to give our best to others we have to invest in ourselves and start each day with a full cup. How do we do that? Self-care.
Self-care, while not a new concept, is rising in popularity. And for good reason- there are many benefits for the mind, body and soul! Hopefully we all practice it a little bit of these activities each day to keep stress levels low and our personal morale high. If not, I’ve got several examples to help you start your self-care journey. In return, you will notice a lower stress level, less feelings of anxiety and depression, and increased happiness. But first let's break down different aspects of this practice.
Traditional areas of self-care include physical, emotional, mental, environmental, spiritual, recreational and social. I’d like to include an additional domain of self-care, which is financial. Financial health is growing in popularity and a quick check in with our finances can help us feel more in touch and less anxious about our money. By incorporating a few of these practices (or more) into our daily lives, we can improve our physical, mental and emotional health.
Elevate your wellness game
Physical: Practice yoga, go for a walk or do your favourite form of exercise, drink water, practice good sleep hygiene, take a shower or bath, get fresh air and Vitamin D, take a nap, relax, have a cup of tea (we recommend For the Heart-Broken as it helps calm the nervous system), watch a favourite show or movie, listen to music, or cook a healthy or comforting meal.Emotional: Find a therapist or schedule a therapy appointment, journaling, practice affirmations, practice gratitude.
Mental: Take a break from a stressor, read a book, listen to a podcast.
Spiritual: Practice meditation and self-reflection, participate in your preferred religious/worship practices.
Recreational: Make time for your hobbies, go on an adventure, or play a game.
Social: Take time to connect with friends/family, go on a date, join a club or organization, volunteer your time, or cuddle with a pet.
Financial: Create a budget, set a financial goal, start investing, touch base with a financial advisor, and make sure to treat yourself to something special.
