Self-care is a journey, often hindered by numerous obstacles. Unraveling the complexities of these barriers and discovering effective strategies to overcome them is crucial for a healthier, happier life. Let's delve into the art of mastering self-care.
Improve your relationship with your mind, body and emotions
Job stress, family pressure, lack of time, limited resources and barriers often keep us from a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
- For those who are low-income or are survivors of trauma, self-care might seem even more inaccessible.
Get in tune with your emotions
Gaining an awareness of your emotions is important for establishing a self-care routine.
- Ask yourself if you can routinely identify what you are feeling, and try to learn to identify others’ feelings as well.
- Therapy is an option, find a therapist you trust and who makes you feel safe.
Ask for help
Reach out to friends to see how they are coping and make a list of things they do that might be helpful to self-soothe
- Although you might feel wary about reaching out for help, Hamilton insists that it is not something to feel guilty about.
Commit to starting today
The first step to taking better care of ourselves is simply committing to doing it
- Emily Hamilton, a California-based licensed clinical social worker and therapist, insists that self-care is essential preventative work for both physical and mental health
- Start small, even if it’s just setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself
Go Back to Basics
When life feels overwhelming, sometimes it’s best to go back to the basics of self-care.
- Take time to check in with your body, mind and emotions by asking the following questions: Are you aware of what you’re eating and how it impacts your body?
- Do you have quality relationships with the people in your life
- Could you establish a relaxing morning and nighttime routine
- Cut down on caffeine
- What do you like to do for movement?
Set boundaries
Brainstorm where you can cut back on responsibilities and commitments in your daily life, and then act accordingly
- Approach your employer with specific details of what you want them to do, being aware of what your own boundaries are, and coming to the table with a plan and compromises ready
