Self-Care Is Not a Luxury, It’s a Survival Strategy

Burned out, stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted. Those are words we hear often in the fast-paced, chaotic world we live in. We run from one activity to another without taking time to even think about what kind of self-care we need let alone giving ourselves what we need. However, if we don’t take the time to care for ourselves up front, how will we ever find the time to care for ourselves later when we’ve worked ourselves so hard we get sick?

When people think about caring for themselves, they often think about massages, manicures and pedicures, bubble baths, quiet time to read, or sleeping in late. Unfortunately, all of these things take time and money, two things most of us don’t have an excess of. Here’s a few suggestions for ways to be kind to yourself in the five areas of wellness that make us a whole, happy person.

Physical Wellness

• Prevention is the KEY
• Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get at least 20-30 minutes of physical activity each day
• Drink at least 6-8 8-oz glasses of water each day

Mental Wellness

• The MOST important self-care strategy is to transition to more positive self-talk
• Focus on what you think and say – keep a journal
• Write out a more positive way to talk to yourself
• Catch yourself having negative thoughts or speaking critically about yourself and replace these thoughts and words with positive ones

Social/Emotional Wellness

• Avoid constant distraction/avoidance activities – alcohol, drugs, social media, binge-watching TV, etc.
• Spend time daily processing your emotions – DON’T let them build up
• Develop and use a support system
• Maintain a balance between isolation and socialization
• Spend time with people who make you feel good and doing things you enjoy

Spiritual Wellness

• Consistency is important
• Get quiet whenever possible
• Be intentional about setting time aside for prayer, Bible study, and meditation
• If possible, find a church body near you and attend regularly

Financial Wellness

• Prevention is the KEY
• Set priorities for your finances
• Create a spending plan based on your priorities
• Decrease spending – avoid expenditures wherever possible
• Increase income/savings – take side jobs, or clean house and sell items

Fortunately, the majority of these items don’t cost anything. They simply require you to set aside a small amount of time each week to plan how you will be intentional in each of these areas of wellness.

No/Low-Cost Down Day Plans

• BREATHE
• Eat something healthy
• Take a walk
• Take a mental health day
• Write in a journal
• Color in an adult coloring book
• Engage in a hobby
• Visit with a positive friend or family member by any means other than text
• Start or add to a gratitude list or jar
• Reflect on 3 good things you’ve accomplished in the past 24 hours
• Reflect on what’s causing your current emotions and plan for positive changes
• Find a quote, scripture, or song that addresses your situation and binge on it

Need help implementing these self-care strategies in your own life? Check out my Joy Journal. It’s a combination planner/journal to help support attempts to manage your emotions and make positive habit changes.

Need inspiration and encouragement? Join me on Facebook on the Sadness to Joy page. That’s where you’ll find the daily encouragement and accountability you need to help bring your plan into existence.

What self-care strategy or Down Day plan will you make into a healthy habit target this week?