Self-care should never feel like another thing on your 'to-do list. Sometimes we desperately need it, and some of us aren't exactly sure how to make it happen. You can Google "self-care ideas" all day long. That simple search will pull up over a million suggestions. Unfortunately, that's likely going to leave you feeling more stressed out than when it all began.
Let's face it; there's a lot of information available out there; self-care is a complex topic that can leave you feeling more confused than when you started. You want to take care of yourself, and maybe you don't know what that's supposed to look like; that's what we're here for! Let's talk about the seven pillars of self-care and how to use them!
The 7 Pillars
The seven pillars of self-care work cohesively to provide a sense of wholeness into your life. Seven might sound like a lot, and seeing this list might cause an overwhelming feeling; don't look away! You don't have to focus on them all at once, but we'll talk about that.
1: Mental
Mental or intellectual self-care revolves around creating a healthy mindset through curiosity and mindfulness. Mental self-care is essential for developing healthy mindsets, skills growth, stress reduction, and enhancing your current knowledge and creativity.
Mental Self-care Practices
- Daily or weekly journaling
- Engaging and using your brain in a new way
- Working on a brain dump list
- Taking a break from technology and the internet
2: Emotional
Emotional self-care includes taking care of matters that affect our hearts by using healthy coping strategies, as well as practicing self-compassion. Practicing emotional self-care can help you understand yourself better, deal with challenges and setbacks, and develop healthy emotional responses.
Emotional Self-care Practices
- Getting involved in a deep movie
- Listening to your favorite uplifting songs
- Write down any positive affirmations
- Ask for help when it's needed
- Set boundaries for protecting yourself, your time, and energy
3: Physical
Physical self-care includes taking care of your body through exercise, practicing good hygiene, nutrition, and good sleep. When you practice physical activity that's beneficial to your well-being, it can increase your energy levels naturally, as well as boosting your self-esteem.
Physical Self-care Practices
- Have meals at regular times daily
- Drink plenty of water
- Taking vitamins or supplements daily
- Get a full nights rest
- Get into a new workout routine
4: Social
Self-care is supposed to be about you, but it's also essential to connect with other humans regularly. We might not all be social butterflies, but it's good to socialize. Social self-care includes cultivating healthy relationships with others and connecting with people who understand you. Reaching out to your positive social connections can help us develop a sense of acceptance and belonging.
Social Self-care Practices
- Spend time with people you enjoy being around
- Call or visit your relatives or friends
- Write a letter to someone and send it via snail mail
- Hop in a community chat or forum you're interested in
- If you need support, reach out to a safe support group
5: Spiritual
Spiritual self-care involves caring for your soul through activities and practices that provide a sense of direction, purpose, or a deeper meaning to your life. Dedicate time to spiritual self-care to find more meaning in life, develop a sense of belonging, and help yourself feel more grounded.
Spiritual Self-care Practices
- Spend time with nature
- Identify your core values and what is meaningful to you
- Volunteer to contribute to a cause you believe in
- Connect to whatever higher power you believe in
6: Recreational
Taking care of your inner child through hobbies, fun activities, and new experiences. Recreation is essential, or it should be because it gives you time away from the pressures of daily life. You will find freedom and enjoy the simple pressures life brings.
Recreational Self-care Practices
- Make time for creative activities or hobbies
- Go out for an adventure
- Take time to do nothing
- Play a video or board game
- Switch your routine up once in a while
7: Environmental
Environmental self-care includes taking care of the spaces you spend time in. The more you care for your immediate environment, the more you can help yourself thrive and have a sense of belonging wherever you are.
Environmental Self-care Practices
- Arrange your workspace to be comfortable
- Explore a new place even if it's in your town
- Declutter your surroundings
- Go out for a walk
- Appeal to your five senses
How To Use The 7 Pillars of Self-care
This list might be overwhelming for some people. Where do you start? How do you start? We will say there's no reason to focus on finding a perfect balance between all seven pillars. Instead, you have to look at your whole self and see which aspects need some TLC the most.
You can focus on one pillar for a day, week, or month. When you're ready for another step, you take it as you see fit. What's important is noticing which area needs the most attention, so it doesn't bring you down while working on something else. Always do what's good for you in all ways!
