by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND – Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre –
Did you know that July 24 is International Self Care Day? All around the world, people will be slowing down a little to honour the art of self-care. But what does that really mean?
“Self-care” is a popular buzzword these days, especially on the health and fitness side of things. But taking great care of yourself is about so much more than green smoothies and exercise – it’s about supporting yourself in a holistic way, and supporting all the elements that make us human.
I like to divide my self-care into four categories and check in with each one.
1: Body. Physical self-care is a great place to start because when your body’s not healthy, nothing else can be.
Tips for Physical Self Care:
• Pay attention to the essentials. Try to get eight hours of sleep a night, and exercise three to five times a week.
• Cut down on sugar and processed foods and eat your veggies! Include a rainbow of colours on your plate.
2: Mind. We’re living busier, more productive lives than any generation in history. Mental stress from a jam-packed schedule, and being “plugged in” to screens at all times can really do a number on our mental well-being.
Tips for Mental Self Care:
• Unplug! One of the greatest things you can do to support your mental well-being is get off those devices.
• Take a true holiday. Leave the work at home and let your mind and body unwind.
• Try meditation. Research shows this ancient practise can do wonders for stress and overall well-being.
3: Heart. We’re spending more time in isolation than ever before (especially in the last year). Sometimes the best self-care is meeting a friend for a walk or a coffee.
Tips for Emotional Self Care:
• Make time for your friends and family, and really be present with them while you are. Splitting your attention between a loved one and your phone does not count.
• Notice consistent sadness, numbness or anger? Just as you would visit a doctor for a physical ailment, consider seeing a counsellor or psychologist if you’re not feeling emotionally well.
4: Spirit. This can be a tricky area to talk about because we often conflate “spirit” or “soul” with religion. However, taking care of your spirit means feeling connected to something larger than yourself. Whether it is church, meditation, your running community or a charity you volunteer with, that sense of belonging and contribution is essential to good health.
Tips for Spiritual Self Care:
• When was the last time your contributed, volunteered or gave back? When was the last time you were a part of a larger common goal? If these elements are missing from your life, explore being a part of a project you care about or initiate and notice how you feel after.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and rightly so: using this four-pronged approach, hopefully you’ll be able to identify where the gaps are in your well-being.
Happy Self Care Day!
