Fill your tank with self-care practices this holiday season.
December is often the time of giving, but you can’t continue giving if your tank is running on empty. Taking time for yourself and engaging in self-care activities is important. Self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Let’s look at the four different areas of self-care.
Physical self-care
Nutrition, physical activity, and getting adequate amounts of sleep are a few aspects of physical self-care. Physical self-care can also include general hygiene, such as brushing your teeth, regularly bathing, and combing your hair. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep every night to reduce stress and allow your body to recharge. Being physically active is also a great way to reduce holiday stress. Finally, don’t forget to fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, and lean protein for optimal health.
Emotional self-care
Emotional self-care includes activities that help you become more aware of your emotions and improve your ability to cope with them. It’s important to experience joy and happiness every day. An emotional self-care activity can be as simple as dancing in the kitchen while singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs. For some people, it’s talking about emotions with a counselor. Emotional self-care looks different for everyone.
Intellectual self-care
The need to be intellectually challenged is necessary. People who feel intellectually challenged are often more fulfilled. Find ways you can learn and grow. Some people may feel intellectually fulfilled through their careers or hobbies. Consider learning a new skill, practicing brain games, solving puzzles, or reading an interesting book to challenge your brain.
Spiritual self-care
Spiritual self-care often revolves around finding your purpose in life. Many people have this need fulfilled through organized religion, deep friendships, parenting, volunteering, or through random acts of kindness. Spiritual self-care is unique for everyone, so you should do what makes you feel the most comfortable and happy.
Add small self-care activities into your weekly routine to fulfill your spiritual side. Working on the above examples of self-care a little at a time will fuel your overall well-being.
