How to Find the Best Self-Care Practice For You

Did you know August is Self-Awareness Month? As summer begins to close and the start of school inches closer, now is the perfect time to strengthen your relationship with yourself. One of the best ways to promote your mental health and become more aware of your individual needs is through self-care, which is any behavior you practice to improve your overall health and well-being. When one person hears the words “self-care,” they might think of a relaxing activity, like a bath, but another might associate the term with a physical activity, like a long run. The truth is—there are countless forms of self-care! Wanna learn what self-care practice could be right for you? Read on!

Do you feel most relaxed in the peace and quiet? Have you been craving some more alone time? Are you interested in relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation? See Relaxation Self-Care!

Do you have a hobby you love? Do you have a comfort book, movie, or TV show? Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to try for fun? See Recreational Self-Care!

Do you have a sport you can’t live without? Do you enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with exercise? Do you prioritize your physical health and nutrition? See Physical Health Self-Care!

Do you like exploring your thoughts and feelings? Could you talk for hours about your passions and interests? Would you describe yourself as empathetic, open, or reflective? See Mental and Emotional Self-Care!

Does your energy come from being around others? Are you happiest when you’re around a group of loved ones? Do you like to meet new people and try new things? See Social Self-Care!

Do you like to reward yourself with a sweet treat after a big accomplishment or a long day? Does a shopping spree make your week? Do you think it’s important to celebrate small victories and milestones with something special? See Indulgent Self-care!

Relaxation Self-Care

Being self-aware starts with recognizing your needs. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or overstimulated, it could be a sign that you need to make self-care a larger priority. When it comes to relaxation self-care, there are countless options to try–visualization, tai chi, meditation, massage, yoga, journaling, and the list goes on!

Recreational Self-Care

What makes you tick? Maybe it’s a hobby you’ve loved ever since you were little, like painting or baking. Or maybe it’s that one TV series that never fails to crack you up or that music artist that just gets you. It could be a place, like your favorite reading nook or community park. And if you haven’t yet found that special thing that helps you destress, don’t fret! Feel free to explore by trying something new—you might the perfect self-care practice for you!

Physical Health Self-Care

It’s no secret that our physical health and mental health are closely connected. For this reason, one of the best ways to make an impact on your mental well-being is by taking care of your body! Exercising regularly, cooking a healthy meal, getting a good night’s sleep, or taking time to stretch each morning are easy, but effective ways to implement physical health self-care into your routine. 

Mental and Emotional Self-Care

If you’re looking to strengthen your mental and emotional well-being, building a mental health toolkit is a great place to start. In addition, consider journaling, blogging, or speaking with a therapist regularly as a form of self-care. By delving more deeply into your feelings and attitudes, you’ll be better equipped to handle obstacles and be able to express yourself more effectively.

Social Self-Care

Social self-care involves nurturing the relationships and connections in your life. While this practice can take time and effort, healthy social connections can boost self-esteem, reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, and increase your overall quality of life. Examples of social self-care include spending quality time with friends and family, joining a club or group, checking in with loved ones virtually, or making an effort to build new connections in your community. 

Indulgent Self-care!

A little indulgence from time to time never hurt–in fact, treating yourself (in moderation) as a form of self-care is a great way to boost your mood and improve your self-control. It’s important to remember that self-care is practiced to improve well-being in the long term, not just to provide pleasure in the moment. So while it’s okay to celebrate by buying your Amazon cart, picking up your favorite dessert, or scheduling a spa day, keep in mind the importance of balance and the dangers of overindulgence.