Self Care: Where to Start

Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. Katie Reed

Self care is defined as the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

It’s crucial that you exercise self care in all areas of your life. Here are a few ideas to get you started...

Physical: sleep hygiene, healthy diet, regular exercise routine

Psychological: journal, engage in a hobby, start a gratitude practice

Spiritual: mindfulness/meditation, religion/spirituality

Relationships: prioritize relationships that are important to you, participate in the things that are important to others, and spend time with people who are positive and supportive.

Work: observe your breaks and lunch hour, set and enforce healthy boundaries, attend professional development programs, arrive on time, leave on time and turn off work phone/emails during non work hours

Remember, a self care plan should be...

Manageable: Consider the Goldilocks Rule which states that humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities. Not too hard. Not too easy (www.inc.com).

Consistent: If you’re consistent over a period of time, your activity will likely become a habit and be automated, requiring far less effort.

Non-negotiable: A self care activity should be treated as equally as important as any other appointment or meeting on your calendar. Letting yourself down, erodes your self esteem over time. And you don’t want that!

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Need a little something to help get you started? Check out these habit tracking bookmarks!

The best way to make a change that’s sustainable over time is to start small, set yourself up for success for using these.