If you don’t follow your heart, you might spend the rest of your life wishing you had.
-Brigitte Nicole
Last week, I wrote a blog on why women have trouble relaxing. I also included basic and physical self-care ideas, and a means to help women create more downtime in their lives. This week I’d like to build off of this last post to dive further into the concept of self-care by adding mental, emotional and spiritual self-care ideas. As we dive in here, please remember that self-care is one part of mental health and wellness. Sometimes this may also include a check in with your doctor or starting (or restarting) therapy.
Mental self-care ideas:
- Write in a journal
- Practice mindfulness
- Read a great book
- Set limits around electronics
- Use visualization
- Make your bed
- Allow time for distractions
What else would you add to this list?
Emotional self-care ideas:
- Meditate
- Process with a therapist
- Be vulnerable (but only if you feel emotionally safe to do so!)
- Allow yourself time and space to feel your feelings
- Write a letter (and you choose if it’s helpful to your healing to send it to the person, keep it for yourself or destroy it)
- Volunteer
- Listen to your favorite music (and sing along, dance around, etc.)
- Have a great daily mantra like “Be Yourself”
Is there anything else you’d add to this list?
Spiritual self-care ideas:
- Go outside
- Create a kind inner voice
- Practice self-compassion and self-love
- Create deeper connections with others
- Practice gratitude
- Connect with the world around you
What other spiritual self-care ideas would you add here?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Self-care can be a helpful part of your overall wellness, often with check ins with your doctor and therapy. There are many different types of self-care, including three types discussed here: mental, emotional and spiritual self-care. I’m sending lots of love and support your way as you navigate the ups and downs of your everyday life.
