The 3 different kinds of self-care practices

Self-care and self-love are two words that are all around us. The concept of self-care is one of the biggest growing trends over the past few years.

In fact, according to Google Trends, the number of searches for ‘self-care’ has more than doubled since 2015. But what exactly is self-care and why is it so important?

The World Health Organisation defines the term ‘self-care’ as, “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”

In short, this means taking the necessary steps to prioritise your physical, mental and emotional health.

Research suggests that people who practice regular self-care practices can better cope with feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness and overwhelm. They also experience an improved immune system, higher levels of productivity and increased overall self-esteem.

So, you might be wondering how you can bring into action your own self-care practices?

Well, what constitutes as self-care can mean different things to different people and unfortunately there is no right or wrong way to go about creating your own self-care routine.

It’s recommended that you check in with yourself and follow the path of what your body, mind and spirit need.

To get you started here are 3 different kinds of self-care practices:

EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL SELF-CARE

Emotional self-care practices are all about nurturing your emotional wellbeing and generally doing things that feel good.

Think connection (with self and others), consideration and creativity. Some ways to bring emotional self-care practices into your weekly routine: a relaxing magnesium bath, setting up personal boundaries and giving yourself permission to say no or take a break from tedious tasks, practicing positive self-talk (daily affirmations are great for this), treating yourself to a pamper day or lunch or coffee dates with a friend.

PHYSICAL SELF-CARE

Physical self-care is all around keeping your physical body healthy and happy so that it can perform and better keep you going now and into the future.

This includes setting up a sleep routine and making it a priority, incorporating regular exercise and body movement, filling your body up with nourishing foods instead of junk and ensuring your environment is kept clean and uncluttered.

It can also encompass any practice that focuses on treating part of your body, such as a regular face mask or a deep tissue massage.

MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL SELF-CARE

Think of spiritual self-care as being what’s good for your soul. Some common ways to nourish your spiritual self is by spending time in nature, going for a long walk or swim in the sea, meditation rituals, practicing random acts of kindness, a daily gratitude journal or any activity that is focused around mindfulness such as colouring, craft or art.

Give one or all of these practices a go this week, that's what I'm doing!

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