Most often when people think of self-care, their first thoughts are about the physical aspect of wellness or the emotional aspect of wellness. These two areas are extremely important, and I would go as far as to say that physical wellness determines wellness in many other areas of your life. However, we can not forget that in order to have a balanced life, you need to see your life from all facets. 

Our physical and emotional health are two different branches of our holistic life. There are also five other branches that are critical and should not be overlooked. After you are finished reading this I challenge you to really analyze how you feel about each area and where you can improve. 

Do this four times a year, if that is too much even twice a year is better than none. Checking in throughout the year provides you with more accountability, more room for growth, and the ability to reflect on your progress. I rate each facet on a scale of 1-10; 10 being the best and one being a total disaster. 

After rating, create small goals to improve each area. If you have an area that is a 10…wow, you are awesome, and please share your magical ways with us all.

Be realistic, keep your dream life in mind, but also know that life is a journey (Instagram isn’t a reality to aspire to). Live your life to the fullest. 

 

 

7 AREAS OF SELF CARE

PHYSICAL

Includes:

• Nutrition 
• Sleep
• Exercise
• Sex Life
• Medications / Supplements
• Meditate

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Increase how often you exercise each week by 2 days
• Increase how often you cook a healthy meal at home
• Meditate each morning for at least 5 minutes

MENTAL / EMOTIONAL

Includes:

• Positive self-talk
• Positive beliefs
• Feeling feelings
• Journaling
• Spa day / bath
• Therapy
• Laugh
• Practice a hobby
• Create goals
• Close friends and/or family

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Have a game night with friends/ family once a month
• Make time at least once a week for a hobby you enjoy
• Replace your negative self-talk with positivity

RECREATION

Includes:

• Structure
• Relaxation
• Fulfilling work
• Time in nature
• Pleasure
• Setting goals
• Learn who you are
• Create goals

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Go on an adventure at least once a month
• Join a meetup group with common interests
• Introduce one thing that brings you joy into your daily routine

SPIRITUAL 

Includes:

• Volunteer
• Prayer/meditation
• Community
• Forgiveness
• Purpose/meaning

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Create a group of friends to meet up once a month 
• Meditate daily for at least 5 minutes
• Seek out opportunities to volunteer within your community

INTELLECTUAL

Includes:

• Feeding your curiosity
• Learning new things
• Creative activities
• Thought-provoking discussions
• Read for pleasure
• Social/ political issues

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Purchase a new book that you have been wanting to read
• Turn off the TV an hour before bed and read instead
• Start a new hobby

FINANCIAL

Includes:

• Planning for the future
• Living within your means
• Creating a budget
• Work you enjoy

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Sit down and create a realistic budget 
• Begin thinking about what your dream job would be and make steps towards it
• Cut back spending on unnecessary items (clothes, movie nights, going out to eat) and save instead

SOCIAL

Includes:

• Close friends/family
• Healthy relationships
• Community
• Partner

TIPS TO IMPROVE:

• Leave your phone in another room if you have company over
• Say yes to an invitation to do something with friends and follow through 
• Look up events within your community and attend one once a month 
• Distance yourself from one friend who brings you down, or is always negative

 

CONCLUSION

Small improvements lead to bigger change. The tips given may seem frivolous, but with time and dedication, they can often increase your happiness. The key is to check in with yourself. See what is working, and build on that. Start with one or two of the groups (choose the lowest scores), and set monthly goals. 

If your goal is to start a new hobby, remember to break down that larger goal into smaller, more measurable steps. For example, purchase yarn by Thursday for a new project. 

Don’t give up. This is a process of growth. Growth takes time. You may dedicate a whole 6 months or more to one seemly small cause, but the rewards will be great. 

Soon you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come and how much more balanced you feel.