By Caroline Crotty

I’m not sure how many times I said ‘mind yourself’ or ‘take care’ and recently, someone replied ‘Caroline, I don’t know how’.  I suggested that I’d write an article to outline some of the ways in which we can look after ourselves.  
 
I’ve been thinking about how I ‘mind’ myself. There are a few things that I am consistent with such as trying to get sufficient sleep, regularly drinking water, bringing fruit and nuts for snacking (which often stops me buying crisps or chocolate). Walking around the block in between appointments means I regularly stand up, move and leave work even if only for short bursts. I try to keep to one early morning coffee and a long walk in the evenings.


But what is self-care? In my experience, it can include anything that benefits our wellbeing, that helps us feel good, keeps us healthy, and nurtures resilience. Life has ups and downs. Caring for ourselves in the okay times helps us feel able to cope when not-so-okay times arrive.
 
Self-care is unique and individual. What forms part of my self-care routine may not suit the next person. You might need quiet time away from people and I might need to be in the middle of chatty company. I might need to slow down and you may need to speed up!
 
After you read this, perhaps write a plan of action for your daily/weekly self-care plan. It’s not a to-do list  – it is an aspirational goals list. We might not get to do everything every day, but we can always do some. There is no bad feeling if we don’t do everything – I do not do everything every day, I eat crisps and chocolate and have two coffees and don’t go for a long walk – and that’s okay!
 
We can divide our self-care routine into various different areas as follows:
 
Physical
Have a bubbly bath. Light candles. Stretch. Move. Hydrate. Sleep at night time, rest, eat healthy and nourishing foods. Care for your body. Slow down your breath.
 
Emotional
Give yourself some time. Learn to say ‘no’. Be aware of emotions and reactions. Journal. Develop gratitude. Identify emotional triggers. Be responsible for actions. Accept yourself. Change unhelpful reactions.
 
Social
Make time to connect. Build relationships with caring people. Ask for help when needed. Meeting people to engage in activities outside of work/home (real people in real time). Reduce screen time.
 
Spiritual
Spend time alone. Connect with yourself and the universe. Whether or not you’re religious, examine the values and beliefs that guide you.
 
Psychological
Exercise mindfulness, acceptance, self-compassion, feed your creativity. Fuel your mind (e.g. writing, movies, reading, puzzles). Cardio is a brain protector! Letting ourselves off the hook when we make mistakes. Control your thoughts. Foster positive internal dialogue and evict the mind bully!
 
Environmental
Spend time in nature. Live/work in an uncluttered, relaxing environment. Wear comfy, clean clothes. Recycle. Minimise waste. Enjoy your surroundings.
 
Financial        
Being conscious and responsible with finances. Prioritise debt. Examine spending – determine needs-vs-wants. Spend/save mindfully. Reward yourself
 
Work
Leave work at work. Have clear boundaries. Value your role. Say no. Enjoy doing your best. Take breaks.
  
What self-care practice can you incorporate into your day today?

The above will not suit everyone. If you are living with a chronic health condition, please choose activities that improve your mood and make those a priority – mind you – please!