What Self Care Really Means | Mavoure's Discoveries on Feeling Great and Nurturing Yourself Beyond The Face Mask
When you think of self-care, what do you picture? Typically it’s described as getting a mani-pedi, wearing a face mask in the bathtub, or receiving a massage. These activities are wonderful and part of a solid body-oriented self-care routine. Though they won’t replace a good full self-care routine. A full self-care routine addresses all parts of you: your mind, body, and spirit.
How can I tell if I need a certain type of self-care?
When one of the main components is left out we may feel sad, tired, hungry, or just “off.” I can tell I need more self care when stop doing the things that I love. For you it may look like spending more money on retail therapy or having trouble staying present around your friends. You may feel badly about your body or dread your next party. I’ve been there many times before and solve it by listening to what my body needs.
Knowing about what each part of you needs will change how well you function daily.
Mind
The mind guides your actions, your intuition, and your feelings. It’s what helps you ace that test, run those miles, and keep working when you’re tired. The best way to practice self-care for your mind is by meditating regularly, sleeping more, turning off technology before bed, learning something new, and/or having a wonderful conversation with someone you admire.
Body
Your body houses your mind and your spirit. Taking care of it is important in order for you to be able to do things you want and need. This means paying attention to what you put in your body and how your body reacts, feeding it accordingly, moving it, and caring for it through activities like baths, manicures, and massages.
Spirit
You spirit is what you believe in, think, and desire. Show gratitude by writing a daily gratitude list - write down all that you’re grateful for within 30 seconds on a piece of paper. Say “thank you” to those you love, your boss, your mentors, your friends. Just say “thank you” more. Practice walking without your head in your phone. Don’t keep your phone on the table when studying, reading, or speaking with others. Actually, don’t keep your phone in sight when you don’t need to be using it. Find a hobby that keeps you creative like writing, blogging, singing, and/or starting a business.
Practicing self care is important because it will keep you from crashing — we all know that feeling and it’s tough. Doing some of these activities will keep you feeling your best, feel great about yourself, and be more forgiving of yourself when you make a mistake. Not to mention, they don’t take too long and will (hopefully) help others follow in your footsteps.
