“I had a bubble bath yesterday to unwind after a stressful day. I needed to pick up this t-shirt, so I went shopping. Tonight, I’m treating myself to a glass of wine—I deserve it!”
It seems like when we’re feeling overwhelmed, we often need a little something to lift our spirits or recharge. That’s self-soothing, a way to distract ourselves from discomfort.
Think about driving down the highway and seeing the gas gauge getting low. You keep going, waiting to find a gas station, but it’s too late, you ran out. Now you’re serious about refueling, which is a bit of a late realization, isn’t it?
Self-care is about taking proactive steps to avoid burning out, staying healthy, and finding balance in life.
Here are the five main pillars of self-care:
- Physical: taking care of your body, getting enough sleep, and moving your body regularly
- Mental: keeping your brain sharp, learning new things, and limiting screen time
- Emotional: setting boundaries, being aware of your feelings, and finding happiness
- Social: connecting with others, your community, and your friends
- Spiritual: practicing gratitude and reflecting on your core values
I know some of these things come more easily to us than others. And it’s perfectly okay to ask for professional help when you’re starting out or when you’re feeling stuck. The key is to remember that your body needs care and attention before it’s too late.