self care

What is the definition of Self Care

The act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or other professional consultation.

According to the World Health Organisation, Self Care is described as:

The ability of individuals to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the help of a healthcare provider.

What people normally think self care is:

  • Overindulgence.
  • Binge eating bad foods.
  • Going on expensive holidays.
  • Numbing bad feelings through alcohol or drugs.
  • Binge watching TV.
  • Not getting out of bed.

What Self Care actually is:

  • Prioritising your mental and physical health.
  • Adopting healthy habits.
  • Finding exercise habits that you enjoy.
  • Following treatment plans.
  • Taking the necessary medications.
  • Taking time out to do things you actually enjoy doing.
  • Getting the right amount of sleep.
  • Eating properly.

There are 7 pillars of Self Care & they can also be found on the International Self Care Foundations website – but I have detailed them here for you:

  1. Mental Wellbeing
  2. Physical Health
  3. Nutrition
  4. Knowledge & Health Literacy
  5. Good Hygiene
  6. Risk Avoidance
  7. Rational Use of Products & Services

These pillars can be broken down to help understanding.

Physical Self Care – can include things like sleeping, Stretching, Walking, Exercise, Nutrition and Yoga

Emotional Self Care – can include things like Stress Management, Coping Strategies, Compassion, Therapy, Journaling and Kindness.

Social Self Care – Having Boundaries, Support Systems, Positive Social Media, Communication, Asking For Help and surrounding yourself with Good Friends.

Spiritual Self Care – taking some Time Alone, Meditating, Praying or just having a quiet Sacred Space to ponder.

Personal Self Care – Hobbies, Self Awareness, Personal Identity and honouring your True Self.

Environmental Self Care – being in a Safe Place, Clean Space, Stability and free from Risks.

Financial Self Care – Saving, Budgeting, Good Money Management.

Work Self Care – Time Management, Work Boundaries, Positive Workplace.

Here is a list of things that you can use when things get particularly stressful:

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