Self-care is a common term that is thrown around nowadays referring to the activities that keep you physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy. Most people would think that focusing on self-care makes sense, but you would be surprised how often we forget about it when we face challenging times. This post will explain why self-care is so important and how you can improve your time with yourself.

The Importance of Self-Care

We’re over halfway through 2022, and the daily life for the average American is only getting busier. Productivity is important, but if too much time is spent on work life, then people can begin to experience burnout, depression, anxiety, and other negative symptoms like resenting their job. Taking time to focus on self-care has been scientifically proven to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and lower stress levels, resulting in improved mood and concentration. Self-care has also been proven to lower one’s risk of cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

One of the most common reasons people don’t engage in self-care is that they feel they don’t have the time. Although our schedules are busy, it is crucial that we take time out of every day to focus on ourselves, even if it’s only a few minutes.

Self-care is all about you. What one person does for their self-care routine may be very different compared to someone else. Try out some methods that you have seen online or try something that was recommended to you, but if it doesn’t work, don’t give up! There is a routine that works for everybody. Once you find one that suits your needs, make sure you stay consistent to get the best effects out of it.

Building Your Self-Care Plan

There are 8 dimensions to human wellness according to the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). Each dimension needs to be kept healthy to have improved wellness, and the planning can be different for each of them too.

The 8 dimensions and some suggestions for them include:

Emotional: You could take a nap, talk with a loved one, read, write, journal, listen to music, paint, or watch something that suits your mood.

Environmental: You could go on a walk, lay in the sun, hike a local trail, or pick up litter that you come across.

Financial: You could open a savings account, start saving a certain amount of money per day, invest, or cut back on any spending you find unnecessary.

Intellectual: You can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, read, complete puzzles, and be mindful of the things around you.

Occupational: You could work for that promotion, get that degree you want, or learn a trade. If you want to start a business, perhaps you get the ball rolling!

Physical: Eat a healthy diet, get exercise daily, see your doctor and dentist, and get enough sleep.

Social: Keep in contact with old friends, meet up with friends and family, engage in healthy social media use, and be a positive figure.

Spiritual: Go to church, meditate, pray, connect with other believers, and think about your purpose in life.

These are only some suggestions for each of these categories. Play around! Finding the right kind of self-care activities can benefit your life in incredible ways, so start trying some now!