Sometimes work, family, and activities make it challenging for us to take the best care of ourselves. Not taking care of ourselves can have significant repercussions, including:
- low energy
- strained relationships
- poor work performance
- poor health, even including premature death
Here are some things that come to mind when I think of self-care:
- regular medical checkups, including annual physical
- regular brushing / flossing / dental checkups
- taking medications as prescribed
- enough sleep, including good sleep hygiene
- eating in response to hunger and fullness, while allowing for occasional indulgences
- fun / pleasurable activities
- physical activity that you enjoy
- rewarding work
- appearance care
- counselling / psychotherapy / support group, if needed
What other things do you consider self-care?
Hi Jeff, to me things like meditation, soaking in a bath, connecting with nature, making art, lifelong learning and spiritual practices also constitute self care.
ReplyDeleteThose are great additions to my list, art and nature are big ones for me too! I initially had spirituality / religious practices in my list. I'm not sure how it got lost.
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