Have you ever felt like you’re running on empty—constantly doing things for others, but never taking time for yourself? Need a few self-care ideas, but don’t know where to start? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, and daily stress, leaving little room for your own well-being. That’s where self-care comes in—not as an indulgence or luxury, but as a necessity to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Taking as little as 15 minutes a day for self-care is beneficial. Many people feel this is time wasted or time they could be doing something more “important” or “productive”. However, just a few minutes of self-care will allow you to be more focused and motivated to handle life situations and tasks, which is very important.
Keep reading to discover five different kinds of self-care and how you can incorporate them into your life.
The Five Dimensions of Self-Care
1. Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care involves maintaining and nurturing your physical health through exercise, balanced nutrition, proper sleep, and good hygiene. Exercise can be walking, going to the gym, stretching, or doing yoga at home. Keeping a good sleep schedule is also essential. This means going to bed and getting up at the same time every day. At times, this can feel nearly impossible. Be sure to do your best to maintain that schedule and to use good sleep hygiene (no television or electronics before bed). Also, give yourself time to unwind before bed with a bedtime routine (without scrolling). Balanced nutrition means choosing healthy food options over a good ol’ greasy cheeseburger. Foods high in fat and sugar can make you more sluggish.
2. Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care focuses on understanding and managing emotions in healthy ways. This includes practicing stress management, knowing when you feel overwhelmed, and processing feelings and environmental factors. It is important to practice self-compassion by saying nice things to yourself and remembering you are only one person. “You are doing your best!” Journaling (long-form writing, bullet journals, or drawing) and using apps to track your mood or thoughts is also helpful. Remember to engage in activities that bring joy and calm, such as gardening, reading, spending time with a pet, cuddling up with a good movie, or doing crafts.
3. Social Self-Care
Social self-care centers on building and maintaining supportive relationships. It involves spending time with loved ones, joining group activities, and seeking connection. This can include church groups, family gatherings, cooking, or other enjoyable activities.
4. Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care is the process of connecting with your deeper values, beliefs, and sense of purpose. Practices may include meditation, prayer, time in nature, or reflecting on what gives life meaning. Practicing gratitude for the people and things in your life will foster a more positive outlook.
5. Intellectual Self-Care
Intellectual self-care involves stimulating your mind through learning and creativity. Activities such as reading, problem-solving, exploring new hobbies, or engaging in cultural or educational experiences promote growth and curiosity. Find something interesting and take time to learn more about it, whether it’s history, decorating, cooking new meals, or baking a treat. Keep your brain healthy through crosswords, word searches, and other puzzles. You could also try a paint-by-number kit.
While tackling all five dimensions of self-care at once is a lot to take on, easing into the changes by selecting one or two items allows you to take baby steps. It will take time to get into the habit of making time for yourself and treating it as a priority. At times, it might feel selfish, and that’s okay. Just remember, you can’t function at your best if you don’t take care of yourself first.
Tip: Make your own customized list of self-care ideas, including at least one from each of the five dimensions mentioned above. Refer back to it often and continue to add new ideas.
(Article written by Michelle Tanner, MSW, LCSW)
How Therapy Can Add to Your Well-Being
Self-care and emotional wellness does not come easily to everyone. However, there are services available to those who may need some assistance when dealing with anxiety, depression, overwhelm, trauma, or relationship issues. Starting a new self-care routine can feel insurmountable if you are already struggling with your mental or emotional health. Speaking with a compassionate and well-trained therapist can help you gain valuable insight and tools to achieve your mental health goals.
At Tar Heel Human Services, our team of professional therapists can assist those living in NC. Clients can choose between in-person visits (for those living in Duplin County) and virtual appointments. Teletherapy is a fantastic option for those who are short on time, live in remote areas, or are students who are away at college.