Different Types of Self-Care practices to keep us sane!

In our previous blog, we talked about what self-care meant and how it was beneficial to our bodies and overall health. When we're stacked up with a lot of work, doing something good for ourselves seems like a luxury. We might be in the habit of calculating our time lost doing me-stuff, but this mindset backfires! Self-care helps you become more productive for plenty of reasons, like:

·   Self-care limits burnout: In the rush to meet deadlines, we've all tried to push ourselves to the point of burnout. We hit the limit and suddenly we just give up. Self-care activities help us from reaching that point.

·   Self-care lessens the harmful effects of stress: Stress is not a bad thing. Our body needs the right dose of stress to signal hormones and natural reactions. But when we are stressed for too long, it breaks down our mind and body. Taking good care of yourself keeps stress from overhauling your full capacity.

·   Self-care aids in your focus: Have you ever tried solving a problem to no avail? Then you take a quick nap, lunch break, or walk around the corner, and immediately you are recharged and focused. That's self-care!

So throw away the notion that self-care is wasteful and time-consuming. Make time to carve more time.

Types of Self-Care

There are many kinds of self-care activities and most of them do not need to take up your hours. The best way to incorporate these practices in your life is by finding something that you sincerely enjoy and that fit with your lifestyle and values. Slowly build-up to these activities until they become hard-wired into your life. One day you'll wake up wondering how you survived without it!

For starters, take a look at these five main categories of self-care. Find something that can easily be added to your current schedule.

Category #1: Sensory

To calm your mind, tune into the sensations around you. This category is all about living in the present moment because holding on to the past or being anxious about the future do so much harm. In sensory self-care, it's all about the senses of your eyes, ears, hands, and nose.

Sensory Self-Care Ideas:

·   Watching the sunrise or sunset.

·   Getting a massage with essential oils.

·   Feeling the water hit your skin under the shower.

·   Walking barefoot in the grass, sand, or pebbles.

·   Listening to the rain while sipping your favourite tea.

·   Indulging in a small slice of cake.

Category 2: Emotional

We are worn down with our emotions when we push them down and set aside feelings like anger or sadness. Our emotional health will burnout when we don't address, feel and accept them. One common mistake is rushing the moving on process. We should all be reminded that having emotions is not wrong, it's how we respond to them that we are accountable for.

Emotional Self-Care Ideas:

·   Have a daily journal where you can be completely honest about what you feel.

·   Allow yourself to cry.

·   Laugh! Be intentional about humour in your life. Watch funny videos or remember funny memories.

·   Surround yourself with friends and family who understand you.

·   Throw away the stigma around seeing a therapist. Meet one for personal development.

Category #3: Spiritual

If you are not religious, you're probably wary of this category. Don't skip this section, though! Spiritual self-care goes beyond believing in a higher being. The practices here apply to all walks of life. When we talk about spiritual self-care, we mean for you to get in touch with your core values and what is essential for you.

Spiritual Self-Care Ideas:

·   Develop the habit of daily prayer/meditation/mindfulness practices.

·   List down things that you are grateful for.

·   Attend service or seminars that will enrich you.

·   Affirm your self, your journey, and your purpose.

·   Commune with nature.

·   Read poetry, scripture, and other books.

Category #4: Physical

The benefits of physical self-care are truly vital for your whole body. Don't think the activity here only involves hitting the gym. There are plenty of creative ways to let off some steam.

Physical Self-Care Ideas:

·   Make a playlist of your favourite songs and dance to them!

·   Learn a sport you've never done before.

·   Take a 20-minute nap in the midday.

·   Cycle through the countryside.

·   Eat healthier foods.

·   Go for a nightly walk around the park.

·   Sleep for at least 7 hours a day!

·   Go ahead and say no to that invitation you don't want to go to.

·   Detox your body with healthy juices.

Category #5: Social

This category isn't just for the extroverts. Connecting with other people is a necessity in our lives. Whatever your journey is, you are not alone. Choose the people who can lift you up. It's not about the number of friends, but the quality of your friendships.

Social Self-Care Ideas:

·   Join classes and attend meet-ups for people with your common interest.

·   Reconnect with someone you haven't conversed with in a while.

·   Have meaningful conversations with your parents and siblings.

·   Stop hanging out with people who undermine you.

·   Intentionally meet up with friends you like. Don't wait for random gatherings.

·   Volunteer!

May these easy ideas inspire you to take care of yourself. We at BWG Lifestyle believe in a holistic and health-centric approach to life. Invite a friend to our Detox Experience Packages.