It’s that time of year again. Time for winter self-care! Days are getting longer but it’s still dark at 5 pm. The wind carries a bitter chill, and the snow is up to your knees. Your alarm goes off in the morning, it takes everything in you to get out of bed and not hit snooze (again). You go to work, you come home, and you’re in for the night.
Perhaps you haven’t seen your friends since the holiday parties and part of you misses them. However, after work, all you want to do is cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and watch TV.
You tell yourself you’ll do something on the weekends, but they seem to be over before they even really start, and the dishes never stop.
It can be so easy to get stuck in a rut focusing on working, eating, sleeping, and repeating, and neglect our other needs, like self-care. It’s time to get out of that rut!
What is Self-Care? More Than Just Bubble Baths
Now, when you think of self-care, you may think of bubble baths or facemasks or massages, and it can be, but it is also so much more. It is an act that prioritizes your own needs and well-being, and sometimes it’s not easy.
We all play so many roles in our lives- a sibling, a child, a parent, a friend, a student, an employee… and each role comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities. Sometimes we can get so caught up in all of our obligations, that we forget about what we need to do for ourselves.
Especially when we’ve worked a long day… and it is -20C outside… and the house still needs to be cleaned. Acts of self-care fall into different categories based on what needs they serve.
4 Types Of Self-Care
- Physical self-care. This takes care of the body, things like eating, sleeping, or moving the body.
- Emotional or mental self-care. It involves creating healthy boundaries so as not to overextend yourself, recognizing and modifying unhelpful thinking patterns, and practicing self-compassion over self-criticism.
- Environmental self-care. Involves taking care of your surroundings which contributes to mental health. This may involve making your bed, opening a window, or lighting a candle.
- Spiritual self-care. I find to be one of the most dynamic, involves nourishing your soul. Spiritual self-care involves recognizing and living in accordance with your values, and engaging in reflection and self-growth. It also includes spending time with friends, family, and those who make you feel fulfilled.
How to Find Balance in Your Self-Care Routine
Sometimes we can do well with taking care of one aspect of our self-care while neglecting others. This can leave us feeling unfulfilled in different areas of our being. It is important to take a mental inventory of which needs are being met and which ones may require a little more attention.
Take the Next Step in Your Self-Care Journey
This might involve scheduling some dedicated self-care time, releasing guilt around prioritizing yourself, or exploring these needs further with one of our therapists at Rebound Total Health. If you’re interested in learning more about your self-care needs, book a free 15-minute consultation today.
We are a team of caring, experienced therapists in Hamilton, Ontario, ready to provide the support you need.
Connect with a therapist today and book an in-person therapy session or try our virtual online counselling in Ontario and across Canada.
For news and educational information, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.