By Bethanie Taylor, 11 March 2025
Self-care is an important activity to do every day. To balance the different aspects of wellness and lead toward improved overall health and wellness. Self-care can can help reduce stress, anxiety and risk of illness. Also it can get your energy levels up and increase your mental resilience. Getting back to a healthier you so that you can be more productive again.
Often in life we put our wellbeing as a last priority in our busy lives, something to get to when we have more time. But when we risk being becoming burnt out and being more susceptible to illnesses. Ever finally get time off and then you get ill? It may be because you're neglecting your mental health. It has been clinically proven that engaging in self-care can lead to reduced risk of anxiety, depression, stress, as well as heart disease, strokes and cancer. This is a reason why it's important to keep up with your self-care.
When there doesn't seem like there is enough time for self-care but even just starting with 5 minutes a day doing something that to care for yourself can be the start of a healthier you.
Self-care isn’t the same for everyone. Here are the 7 pillars of self-care which could inspire you on your self-care journey.
Mental:
Try something that engages your mind. You could try reading, or listening to an audiobook. You could also try doing a puzzles, or learning something. You can learn something new through watching a documentary, listening to a podcast, or by trying something new such as taking a class or doing something creative like knitting.
Emotional:
Acknowledge your emotions in a healthy way. This could be journaling or reflecting. You could talk to someone, maybe a family member or a friend. You could listen to some music or watching something which matches your mood or maybe changes your mood. You could also do a workout or go for a walk. You could also have a cry, hug or cuddle someone close, have a laugh or even take a nap.
Physical:
Take care of your body. This could be through exercising daily, going for a walk, eating a balanced diet, or getting enough sleep (7-9 hours). Cook something new like yoga. You could see your dentist, or get a check up if you aren't feeling well.
Environmental:
You could take a walk somewhere nice, breathe some fresh air, sit in your garden, or go for a walk in a nearby park. You could enjoy the sunshine, or the night sky. You could also create a safe and comfortable environment e.g. at work, home, or within your community. You could redesign a room, or clean a room.
Spiritual:
Focus on something bigger than yourself. You can do this by meditating, or praying, or engaging in yoga. You could also practice mindfulness where you become aware of what's going on in the present moment. Allowing you to recognise your emotions and situations without positive or negative judgement. You could also consider what your higher purpose and meaning. You could also look for support from your higher power, or help those in need. You could do some volunteer work within your local community.
Social:
Meet up with your loved ones, like your friends and family. This could be in person or online, whatever suits our lives more. You could keep in contact with your old friends, or go out. You could go out to do something fun, and have a laugh.
Recreational:
Engage in activities which you find enjoyable to help you relax and de-stress. Activities such as creative outlets painting, gardening, football, badminton, or cycling.
Sometimes self-care alone isn’t enough to address underlying issues causing you distress - these issues could be internal but also external. If you find that self-care alone isn't helping your mental health perhaps counselling could be the route for you.
To find out more visit www.yourjourney-counselling.com.