Self-Care

Self Care.

How much time do you spend on your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs? How did you learn to take care of your needs? Was it through watching your parents and peers? Or was it through experiencing years of emotional pain (depression, sadness, anxiety) that impacted your relationships with partners, children, or significant others?

 Self care is not a selfish act. Self care is acts of kindness toward yourself. Once you take care of your mind and our soul, then you can take care of your daily schedule, your relationships, and your loved ones. Self care comes with practice and with patience. Every culture and religion practices self care differently and in some cultures it is never practiced. Even though self care can be a touchy topic in today's world, we all need to do things to take care of our minds and our bodies so we can keep moving forward everyday.
 
Ideas for Self Care:
 Listen to music
Learn a new skill
Play a video game
Do a puzzle
Go to a concert
Take a walk
Laugh
Go to the gym
Start individual therapy
Talk to a friend
Volunteer
Journal
Color
Draw
Paint
Get a manicure or pedicure
Spend time with friends and family
Watch your favorite TV show
Read a book
Go to a movie
Get a massage
Get a spa treatment
Learn a new language
Participate in church/temple
Burn a candle
Ride a bike
Garden
Cook or bake something
Take a nap
Buy yourself a flower
Say no to requests you don't want to do
Cuddle with a pet
Dress up
Go on a date
Turn off all electronics
Dance
Read a funny book
See a therapist
Make a medical appointment, if necessary
Go shopping
Take a vacation
Go to nature