What self-care means

Self-care at its most basic means taking time to do activities that improve your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

 

The goal of self-care is to invest in your well-being. While this can feel self-indulgent, good self-care habits help you enjoy life and care better for those around you. It’s a win-win for everyone.

 

How self-care evolved

The idea of self-care is not new. Throughout human history, people have always spent time caring for their physical needs. Finding food and shelter and preventing illness are fundamental forms of self-care.

 

However, more recently, self-care has expanded to include more than just physical health. The pressures of modern society and our expanding scientific understanding of how humans work demonstrate the need for self-care that provides for every aspect of being.

 

Investing time in your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health is true self-care.

 

Physical self-care

Physical self-care includes habits that keep you healthy and strong throughout your whole life. These include:

•  Eat healthy, regular meals.

•  Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

•  Get at least 30 minutes of movement each day.

•  Make 7-9 hours of sleep a priority.

•  Get regular physicals and health screenings.

 

Mental self-care

Mental self-care means caring for your mental health by managing stress and improving resiliency. Examples are:

•  Engage in relaxing activities.

•  Listen to calming music or sounds.

•  Take mental health/vacation days to unplug from work.

•  Schedule time for yourself to do something you enjoy.

•  Seek professional help to manage chronic stress.

 

Emotional self-care

Emotional self-care goes hand-in-hand with mental self-care but is focused on acknowledging and expressing how you feel. It can include:

•  Acknowledge and express your feelings in healthy ways.

•  Connect with supportive friends and family.

•  Take a break from the news or social media.

•  Keep a gratitude journal.

•  Do a creative activity.

 

Spiritual self-care

Spiritual self-care means recognizing you are not the center of the universe and investing in connection with the world around you:

•  Spend time in nature.

•  Connect with a faith community.

•  Pray or meditate.

•  Volunteer for a cause you care about.

•  Read inspirational literature.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

The American Institute for Preventive Medicine (AIPM) is not responsible for the availability or content of external sites, nor does AIPM endorse them. Also, it is the responsibility of the user to examine the copyright and licensing restrictions of external pages and to secure all necessary permission.

 

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