What do you think of when you hear “self-care?” You may picture yourself wearing a white robe while getting a facial with cucumbers covering your eyes and that’s definitely a part of it. But according to pharmacist and self-care strategist Alisha Reed, there are actually six types of self-care and only one of them involves a spa day.
“As a pharmacist, I really like to let my patients know that self-care is really proactive care,” Reed explains. “It’s taking the steps to manage and maintain your health, and not just physical health, but mental and spiritual health. So, these are things that you can do to preserve your overall health.”
In honor of Self-Care Awareness Month, these are the different ways you can care for yourself and show yourself some love each and every day:
- Physical - While this one focuses on the body, it’s more than just working out. Physical self-care can include your skincare routine, getting enough sleep, eating healthy and that spa day.
- Mental - Think Self-care Sunday, but like, every day. Mental self-care is anything that stimulates the brain, so things like reading a book, doing crossword puzzles, checking out museums and art galleries, learning something new and spending time on your hobbies.
- Emotional - This one is about checking in with yourself and your feelings. Reed suggests making a gratitude list to help you tap into your emotions and journaling so you can log your thoughts and feelings and she says crying and laughing are great forms of emotional self-care, too.
- Social - Going to brunch, traveling, having dinner with friends and any social events where you’re around people who nurture you and are good for your soul and spirit are all good ways to practice this type.
- Spiritual - This focuses on being in tune with your soul and spirit and “connecting to your inner being,” Reed says and includes things like yoga, meditation and affirmations.
- Practical - Anything that makes your day run a bit smoother and makes your life easier falls into this category. Things like organizing, planning, budgeting, and even cooking and cleaning are a form of practical self-care.
Source: Blavity