Powerful Ways To Practise Self Love And Self care How to Heal
Mindful self-care can help improve your mental health. Through self-care practices, you can create a foundation of positive self-love and wellbeing habits that empower you and set you to live your life to the fullest. Self-care is the practice of prioritizing your wellbeing, which can have the knock-on effect of reducing stress, and enhancing happiness and satisfaction. Self-care is about paying attention to your feelings and making choices—and sometimes sacrifices—for the sake of your mental and physical health.
People might assume self-care means indulgent spa days and pampering yourself, but it's a practice that goes much deeper than face masks and mud baths (though those are lovely forms of self-care). Some self-care practices, like setting boundaries at work or attending necessary medical appointments, might not always feel enjoyable, but they’re essential for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Remember, it’s okay for self-care practices to look different from person to person. It’s all about finding what works for you to feel rejuvenated physically and emotionally.
Why is self-care important?
Self-care is an important practice because it consists of recognizing your needs and meeting them. Taking a proactive approach to tending to your wellbeing can enhance many areas of your life.
Self-care may promote physical health
It can enhance mental resilience while encouraging self-compassion
It might improve mood
It could reduce anxiety and help manage stress
Self-care may boost productivity
How to create a self-care plan
Creating a self-care plan is a way to set aside time for things that nourish you physically, emotionally, and mentally. Your self-care plan should also not be a fixed plan, as your needs may change over time.
It’s normal to revisit and update your plan depending on how you’re feeling. Remember, the essence of a self-care plan is for nourishment and rejuvenation, not to become other items to simply check off your list.
1. Figure out what sort of self-care you could benefit from
Begin by asking yourself how you’re feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally. Identifying areas that need attention is the first step in creating a meaningful self-care plan.
2. Set goals
What do you hope to achieve with your self-care practices? Whether it’s reducing stress, improving sleep, or simply having more energy, defining your goals will give your self-care plan a clear direction.
3. Prioritize the self-care activities you enjoy the most
Based on your self-assessment and goals, list the self-care activities that appeal most to you. It might be exercising, meditating, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby.
4. Create a self-care schedule that you can stick to
Set aside time in your daily or weekly schedule for self-care activities. Treat these times as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
5. Track progress and adjust your self-care plan as needed
Keep a journal or use an app to track your self-care activities and note how you feel over time. If something isn’t working or you discover new activities that help, adjust your plan to fit.
