Self-care Designed for You
Did that title make you cringe a little bit? Me, too. Yep, “self-care” seems like a concept that has been over-hyped, over-sold, and just old news to many of us. What does self-care really mean anyway and why are we so done with the concept? While writing this blog today, I asked my husband and son about their self-care routines, only to receive some exaggerated eyerolls and audible sighs. They’re not wrong, we’re all kind of over the phrase.
Social media marketing has inundated us with the wellness industry, promoting tools to help humans relieve stress and feel better. There are so many ways to practice self-care that it seems overwhelming, expensive and even “stressful” to de-stress. Do I have to keep a journal, meditate, breathe, stretch, take supplements, call a friend, visit a spa, try red-light therapy, paint, take a walk and go to book club? Who has time for all this self-care and will it even work? It’s just too much. I need a nap.
Sadly, we have over-complicated a simple biological requirement. Self-care is the act of caring for your physical, mental and emotional health. It means nourishing your body, stimulating your mind and attending to your feelings. It keeps us healthy and full of the energy required to thrive, not just survive. Self-care does not have to be a laundry list of tasks to complete to be “well”. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. It doesn’t require reading a self-help book or purchasing an app. It’s just being aware of what the body (which houses the brain and nervous system, mind you) needs and doing those things consistently.
I find it helpful to do less self-care tasks well, as long as the practices align with my specific needs. More does not equal better. An easy way to streamline your routine is to first know your personality type. I share a free personality quiz with my clients for this exact purpose: www.16personalities.com. You can try it, too. Once you know your personality type, you can purposefully design a more effective self-care plan. If you are introverted, you probably need more alone time to de-stress and may enjoy a quiet walk by yourself after a tough day. If you are extroverted, it’s likely beneficial to phone a friend to decompress. Self-care doesn’t always equate to a spa day or a meditation retreat. It’s not a one-size-fits-all regimen and it doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s best when it’s sustainable and specific to you.
Curious about how an individualized self-care routine might be more effective? Take the free 10-minute personality quiz above and then check out some ideas particular to your type: https://www.truity.com/blog/self-care-tips-personality-type. Create a curated list of self-care practices to refuel your energy. Listen to your body and give it the care it needs. Simple.
Lorraine Holeman, MEd, LPC-S, www.wellnesswithlorraine.org.
