Self-Care is all about improving our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and our quality of life.
It can include a variety of activities such as taking a relaxing bath, reading, getting a massage, taking a trip, or eating out with friends.
The overall goal of self care is to reduce stress, meet emotional needs, maintain our relationships, and find a balance within our personal lives.
Focusing on your self-care isn’t a selfish act. In fact, when self-care needs are met we are better able to assist others in meeting their needs.
When you try to meet the needs of family members or friends before meeting your own needs, it can interfere with your self-care routine and can take a toll on your well-being.
As you begin to think about what activities you want to include in your self-care plan, it can be helpful to explore the 8 dimensions of wellness, brainstorming people, programs, and activities that are important and feel safe to you within each.
8 Dimensions of Wellness
Emotional Wellness is the ability to understand our emotions and to be able to cope with the challenges that life may bring at any time. Examples of emotional wellness include establishing healthy boundaries or getting a good night's rest.
Environmental Wellness is taking care of your environment and your personal surroundings. Examples include cleaning your room or volunteering within your community.
Physical Wellness is maintaining a healthy quality of life through your physical health. Examples include exercising, having routine check ups with your doctor or other specialist, and eating a balanced diet.
Intellectual Wellness is the capacity to open our minds to new ideas and experiences that can contribute to personal decisions, group interactions, and community advancement. Examples include playing logic-based games, creating art, journaling, or reading.
Social Wellness is being able to relate to and connect with other people. Examples include asking for help when you need it, listening to others without judgment, and avoiding angry outbursts towards others.
Spiritual Wellness is the ability to expand your sense of purpose and meaning in life, including your beliefs, morals, and ethics, whether they be derived from a religion or not. Examples include meditating, spending time with nature, or attending church.
Occupational Wellness is achieving a balanced life between work and your personal life in a way that promotes personal and professional growth. Examples include networking, having a healthy work balance, and pushing towards your career goal.
Financial Wellness is your relationship with money, managing it appropriately, and having the ability to understand and live within your financial means while also planning for your financial future. Examples include creating a budgeting plan.
If you’d like to learn more, check out Crave Counseling’s Instagram where you can check out my two videos on self-care and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.