5 Different Ways to Practice Self-Care

Our self is all that we are. And all that we truly have. It is from this self that we extend out to other people and other things. Here are some different ways to look after your mind and body than what you may have heard before. Not all self-care is authentic self-care. Some are actually maladaptive coping responses (e.g. excessive self-soothing, distractions), which are packaged as stress-relieving but in reality, creates lasting harm. Taking a bath, going for a walk, even a shopping spree are all common (and sometimes misguided) examples of ‘self-care’.

Here are some ‘different’ ways to think about and to practice self-care:

1. Be Self-Compassionate

Learning how to be self-compassionate involves paying attention to your self-talk and speak to yourself the way you would to someone you love. Treat yourself the way you would have liked to be treated when you were a child.

2. Do things as if you were taking care of a child

Start with the bare minimum and work your way up. Bathe yourself, consume nutritious foods, drink water, get fresh air, keep medical appointments, introduce some play, and get enough rest.

3. Listening to yourself (Get out of autopilot)

Life can get busy. Let's take back some control. Pay attention to your true needs - take an hour off devices, ease people pleasing, take a time-out, do something you would never do (this can be a small change).

4. Communicate your needs

Part of looking after ourselves is learning to identify our needs. But a necessary next step is to communicate our needs healthily to those around us., as people are not mind-readers. It allows us to have our needs met.

5. Set boundaries

Always saying yes can betray who we authentically are. Setting boundaries is necessary. Note, this may have to be repeated a few times. Setting boundaries allows us to define our limits to know what supports us and what impairs our wellbeing. It is a way of teaching others how to treat us with care and love.

Final Word

Self-care is an essential everyday practice we must engage in for us to sustain our wellbeing. There are various ways that you can practice self-care - but it’s important to keep in mind that it is any thought, feeling and behaviour that brings you closer to an authentic version of yourself. You can ask yourself, “Am I being true to myself right now” - to help you reflect on whether you are engaging in self-care.

Practicing authentic self-care can bring you a deep sense of peace, lasting joy, contentment and a sense of healthy ownership over your life.

At Life Growth Psychology, our trained clinical psychologists are experienced in helping you with understanding your relationship to yourself. Book an appointment with us and start your healing journey today.