In my post “Self-Care: Understanding It’s Importance” I provided the definition of self-care according to the World Health Organization. Mercy Care Business Health Solutions provided six categories of self-care. The question is: How do we implement self-care?
How To Implement Self-Care
Assess where you’re at and work on what you need
Take some time to evaluate where you strengths and areas of improvement are when it comes to the six categories of self-care. You may find that you have no problem talking to friends regularly but find it hard to make time to process your feelings. Everyone is different and have different needs. We all need to take time though to discover what are needs truly are.
Start small and within your means
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Arthur Ashe
I love this quote because it’s a reminder that you don’t have to conquer everything at once. Implement self-care that works best for you and your life. You don’t have to address all your needs at once. Money doesn’t have to be spent. You don’t have to do a whole lot. If you feel that physical self-care is your biggest need you might start with taking a five minute walk and working your way up. If your focus is practical self-care you may decide to start with keeping your bedroom tidy. You don’t have to invest in classes, services, or equipment. You don’t have to go big. Self-care does not mean you should stress yourself out in the process.
Implement self-care that works for your life
If going to a therapist’s office isn’t for you, don’t go! If you hate cooking, why cook? There are so many ways to implement self-care and you should do what works best for you. If you can, invest in tele-health therapy or find a therapist that can meet with you at home. Consider pre-made healthy meals or choose to make better choices with your delivery/takeout. Go for a walk with the dog or your little one in the stroller. Self-care is all about yourself and you should do what works best for you!
Deliberately Plan
Self-care is a deliberate action. Take some time to plan how and when you’re going to accomplish your self-care action steps. Set alarms or reminders. Create a schedule. Leave sticky notes. Have your exercise clothes laid out, coffee pot ready before bed, or standing appointments set up. Whatever you decide deliberately plan it out so you can make it happen!
Celebrate your victories and make changes where necessary
Don’t forget to take time to celebrate your accomplishments big or small! When you fall short, evaluate where things didn’t go the way you would have liked and make changes. Some methods of self-care may work better for you than others. What you need in relation to your self-care may change. Adapt and continue to invest in yourself always.
