Self-care has successfully made its way to the forefront of internet trends. Over the years the ideas behind self-care have evolved greatly. It has adopted a popular association with the “treat yourself” mentality. Today, the term self-care works in coalition with many online and in-person retailers. With the growing popularity of self-care practices, companies have become very creative with their products, offering obscure things such as: booty masks, healing crystals, CBD bath bombs, and SO much more.
Everyone knows that taking care of yourself is significant in leading a more fruitful and enjoyable life. Us millennials especially have become obsessed with self-care products and rituals. Self-care looks different for everyone, especially for those with underlying mental or physical conditions. One thing that is important to mention is– sometimes self-care requires work. It isn’t lucrative to slap on a facemask and expect our mood to magically shift. Self-care is also self discipline, setting difficult boundaries with others, or challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. It doesn’t always come easy, and it can be quite lonesome.
Self-care also comes in many different forms, depending on what state of your being needs a little boost. This could be physical, mental, emotional, etc.. We all have tailored wants and needs when it comes to wellness. Just like love languages in romantic relationships, we have our own self-care love language. In this post, I will help you discover a self-care practice that is designed for your specific personality and current mood, that you can fit into your daily routine.
Some days it comes naturally to us. We wake up energized, setting intentions high and fully emerging into the day ahead. Other days, it can seem impossible to peel ourselves out of bed without overwhelm taking over. This is what we call high functioning days vs. low functioning days. What is most important is that you identify where you’re at, and be mindful of your feelings. Try not to judge yourself. Remove the word “should” from your vocabulary. So many days I wake up and think, “I was perfectly fine yesterday, I should feel fine today. What is wrong with me?!” It is okay to be unmotivated or have low energy. This is a normal part of the human experience, allow it.
Types of Self-Care
As mentioned before, there are many types of self-care. We will talk about 8 different types, and what they specifically look like.
- Physical
- Getting enough sleep
- Stretching or integrating a daily yoga practice
- Physical release or exercising
- A healthy diet
- Emotional
- Stress management and rest
- Emotional maturity and forgiveness
- Compassion and kindness
- Social
- Boundaries and honest communication
- Support systems and asking for help
- Positive social media intake
- Spiritual
- Time alone in a sacred space
- Meditation and/or yoga
- Connection with nature
- Journaling and self reflection
- Personal
- Hobbies that you enjoy
- Discovering your personal identity and knowing yourself
- Honoring your true self
- Space
- Healthy living environment
- Organized and clean space
- Safety
- Financial
- Saving and budgeting
- Money management
- Splurging on something that brings you joy
- Work
- Time management
- Work boundaries
- Positive workplace environment
- Learning and challenging yourself, moving on when necessary
Self-Care Ideas for Low Functioning Days
You may think the list below sounds a little silly, but on low functioning days, doing small gestures of self-care can feel like climbing a mountain. Once again, please don’t judge yourself. Celebrate the small things like getting out of bed, or unplugging for 20 minutes. Do what you can with what you have– that in itself is success.
- Self soothe with a self massage.
- Breathing techniques with guided audio
- Drink a glass of water
- Open a window
- Brush your hair, cleanse your face and body with a wipe
- Brush your teeth or use mouthwash
- Put on relaxing music
- Watch your favorite film or show
- Change your clothes
- Color
- Stretch for 10 minutes
- Journal
- Light a candle
- Make a plan to look forward to
- Write down 5 thing that you are grateful for
Self-Care Ideas for High Functioning Days
- Meditate
- Practice yoga
- Declutter your closet
- Write a list of things you love about yourself
- Wake up to watch the sunrise
- Practice positive affirmations in the mirror
- Exfoliate and do a full skin care routine
- Make a smoothie
- Exercise alone or find an exercise class
- Visit a spa
- Do a digital detox
- Spend 20 minutes complimenting strangers on instagram
- Call a friend or family member
- Take yourself out for coffee or dinner
- Create – paint, write, design, etc
What is Your Self-Care Love Language?
If you aren’t familiar with the 5 love languages they are: quality time, physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, and receiving gifts. Your love language is what you appreciate receiving most from a romantic partner. If you are unsure of your love language, you can take an online test, or just observe what actions bring you joy. Let’s identify how you can shift your love language into a self-care practice.
1.Quality Time
- Enjoy the sunset with a picnic you packed for yourself. Bring a journal or book.
- Watch a meaningful movie or documentary. Make yourself popcorn or buy your favorite snacks/candy from the store.
- Paint a picture or a self portrait.
- Plant something, or buy a plant.
- Go on a solo hike or adventure.
2. Physical Touch
- Work on your skin care routine
- Take a bubble bath
- Eat fruits and veggies
- Enjoy a cup of hot tea or coffee, be mindful of how it feels while drinking it
- Stretch to relaxing music
3. Acts of Service
- Set your monthly goals
- Declutter and tidy up
- Keep a habit tracker
- Donate to a charity
- Do one act of kindness for someone
4. Words of affirmation
- Create a gratitude jar, where you write down one thing you were grateful for that day and slip it in the jar. Read whenever you need a boost.
- Recite positive affirmations to yourself
- Listen to a positive podcast
- Watch a ted talk
- Write positive notes about yourself and others, compliment someone via text
5. Receiving Gifts
- Invest in your hobbies or business
- Make yourself a self-care kit, but your favorite products
- Start a DIY project
- Treat yourself to a spurge day online or at your favorite stores
- Enroll in a fun class
The Takeaway
Making time for ourselves is sometimes easier said than done. Be sure to prioritize self-care as much as you can, or want to. Find what feels good for you, not what is trending. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on products to feel good. All you need is a little self compassion and a routine that works best to fit your unique character. Be kind to yourself on low functioning days, and don’t forget to celebrate the small victories in life. Savor moments of joy, and allow yourself to feel unpleasant feelings as well. We need both. You are loved!
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