On the contrary to many beliefs, self-care does not limit to having a spa day. Self-care lies in many other self-treatments. It implies self-love first and self-respect.
I keep on thinking this is something we tend to neglect, I mean ourselves. Most of the time, we're rushing putting ourselves second.
Based on different definitions, this is how I'd define self-care:
The ability to respect ourselves enough to take care of our mental and physical health, well-being, and happiness throughout a set of actions.
5 types of self-care
Emotional self-care
All activities aim at feeling and processing your emotions.
This type of self-care is useful for people who have difficulties managing their emotions, who are easily affected, and the ones who feel not comfortable/ashamed/guilty.
Journaling, meditating, seeing a therapist, practicing gratitude, etc are different forms of emotional self-care.
Physical self-care
Activities you undertake in order to improve your physical well-being.
This type of self-care comes in handy when you feel stressed, tired, or nervous.
From having a spa day to working out, practising yoga, to walking including taking a nap, it can be everything helping you feel physically better.
Mental self-care
Mental self-care relates to activities stimulating your minds.
It can be reading a book, doing a puzzle, playing some board games, writing, going to the museum, watching a documentary, listening to podcasts, etc.
It helps you stay mentally healthy.
Social self-care
The word says it all. Social self-care implies activities to maintain your relationships with others. Indeed, we do need social connections and the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed it.
It's time to sort things out. Stop seeing people you don't feel happy with, people who are constantly negative, draining you, or having control over you.
Here are a couple of examples of this type of self-care: having a drink with a friend, going to the cinema, to a party, to the restaurant, having a phone call, sending some text messages, ...
Professional self-care
Last but not least, professional self-care. It is everything that helps you feel balanced.
For instance, it can be setting a reminder when it's time to have a break, organizing your agenda to make sure you can achieve your daily goals, switching your phone on the "Do not disturb" mode, having some training, etc.
This one is particularly important considering the work style we have adopted over the last years. Finding a balance will help you stay mentally strong and healthy.