What’s in your self-care tool box?

Self-care has been a crucial aspect of my health coaching business for quite a while, and with good reason. By not incorporating self-care into their wellness routines, clients lose out on a vital linchpin of holistic health and lifestyle adjustments.

However, now that we’re in a “new normal” under the Covid-19 pandemic, I think we need to look at self-care in a much broader way. Food as self-care? Yes. Handling stress efficiently as a self-care practice? Absolutely!

What foundational self-care mindset do you bring to your pursuit of health and wellness? Here are 10 “tools” that will set the stage for a wiser, more effective–and intentional–approach to self-care. I think they’ll serve you well as you fine-tune what it means to be healthy and happy.

Recognize where you’re deprived

Some aspects of our “wellness deficit” might be glaringly obvious, but others? Not so much. Our “primary food” needs–exercise, spiritual connection, career, and relationships–might need to go under the self-care microscope. Perhaps Covid-19 is a pivoting point for you regarding your career. You might be searching for a deeper spiritual connection. You’re recognizing that you’ve not been anywhere near as physically active as you had planned to be. Or it might be time to prune back some relationships and cultivate new ones.

Develop your sense of self-worth

It comes easily to most of us to build up all those around us. We speak well to them and of them. Heck, we are great at giving praise and encouragement to our pets! But what’s our internal self-talk like? Are we building ourselves up or hurting ourselves with our thoughts and words about ourselves? How are we nurturing ourselves? Are we investing the time and energy to build our self-worth?

Brandish the word “no” as a self-care superpower

No.  It’s a small word with an enormous amount of power… if we’re willing to use it! We women in particular can have a hard time saying no, even if we suffer as a result of not saying it. Here’s a thought: it’s okay sometimes to disappoint others in order to protect our own energy. Do a gut check if you recognize that you might have a problem with saying “no.” Think about the boundaries you might need to establish to guard your self-care–and your sanity!

Create a self-care routine that works in your favor

Most of our routines are set up to meet other people’s needs–and not necessarily ours.  And to a certain extent, it’s understandable. We have kids, significant others, bosses, and a host of other folks who depend on us being present for them. But if we’re depleted, how can we serve them effectively? So, are exercise, meditation, adequate water, journaling, sleep hygiene, and down time a regular part of your life rhythm?

Delegate, eliminate, elevate

Self-care demands that we assess relationships and tasks and take back our power. You might choose to delegate tasks to someone else who can do them with more ease than you can right now. Perhaps you need to eliminate a commitment that has become a drain on your energy and time. Or, you might need to elevate your focus on certain goals, or people, or social activities.

Prepare your To-Not-Do and To-Not-Be lists

We’re often so focused on what we want to be and what we have to do that we don’t take the time to assess our non-negotiables. What are your absolute no-no’s in life?  Which characteristics will no longer be part of your mojo? Are there activities and mindsets you need to abandon? Your self-care is as much about those choices and decisions as it is about a massage, a mani-pedi, or a facial.

Create a self-care environment that works in your favor

This isn’t just about your physical environment–although that does matter a lot. Clutter and complexity in your home and work environments don’t lend themselves to calm and peace. But what about your mental, social, emotional, and even technological environments? Where and how can you reduce the overwhelm that stress creates? Self-care includes taking a good look at what or who supports your wellness journey. 

Take stock of your health and well-being

I tell clients that the body is always speaking to us; we’re the ones who aren’t listening! Which of your health issues would be solved by taking your self-care seriously? Are you up to date with doctor visits? Do you eat on time and get enough sleep and physical activity? Are you consistently taking necessary medication and/or supplements?  Do you make time for facials, mani-pedis, massages, soaking baths, hair care?

Speak your truth

Can we be real? So often, our peace of mind and ability to truly practice self-care is hampered by our unwillingness to speak our truth to others. Ask me how I know? 🙂 The decision to let others know, with love and respect, how we truly feel will free us up to live a more transparent and authentic life. Our significant others, children, coworkers, friends, and acquaintances deserve that truthfulness.  And your soul (mind, will, and emotions) will thank you!

Pursue a passion that nourishes self-care

What brings a smile to your face? What have you not done in a while that you want to get back into? We often put our hobbies, interests, and pet projects on the back burner because we don’t think they’re sufficiently important, given our many other commitments. But once we get back into the activities that stoke a fire in us, we’ll realize how vital they are to our mental and emotional health and to our self-care.

How have you been making self-care a top priority among your health goals?