Fall, aka self-care season, is upon us and I couldn’t be happier! Like many of you, I enjoy lounging in the sun during the warmer months, but my favourite time of the year is when the leaves start changing colours and we can finally wear pants. YES! While the days are getting a little cooler every day, why not take this opportunity to enjoy our home and have a little bit of quality me-time.
I’m a sucker for self-care all year long, but especially so in the fall and in the wintertime. There is something about cold weather that makes me want to stay inside in a cozy blanket while reading a book and sipping a hot chocolate with a hydrating mask on. Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxurious hobby that requires to spend money. But it can be so much more! Let me show you how.
The definition of self-care
Life gets more hectic and stressful almost every day it seems. That’s why it’s so important to practice a self-care routine: it prepares us to face the daily grind with a relaxed body and mind, and we are better equipped to live our best life.
Self-care goes wayyy beyond sheet masks and expensive dinners. It is all about taking care of yourself, inside and out, in order to have a healthy mind, body and soul. It can consist of small actions, like picking up your favourite coffee before work, or larger-scale ones such as booking that trip you’ve been dreaming about.
For some, self-care is perceived as a luxury, but really, it should become a priority. According to an article published by the American Psychological Association, self-care is defined as “a multidimensional, multifaceted process of purposeful engagement in strategies that promote healthy functioning and enhance well-being.” Here are the main dimensions along with a few tips to become the best version of yourself.
The physical dimension
Our body takes us places and goes through so much for us, so we need to care for it. This includes what we eat, how much we exercise, and anything that relates to our general physical health.
Tips to practice physical self-care :
–sleeping at least the minimum required hours
-having a balanced diet that fuels the body according to your level of activity. Even better: cook a healthy meal for yourself!
–exercising enough (it also frees the mind). However, do not force yourself to workout if you’ll feel miserable the whole time.
-taking regular medical appointments
The mental dimension
Our thoughts and how we fill our minds have a strong impact on our general well-being. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others! Practicing self-compassion and acceptance, as well as using a kinder tone when talking to yourself helps to maintain a healthier inner dialogue.
Tips to practice mental self-care :
–making time for activities that stimulate your mind (learning, getting inspired, etc.)
-let go of the negative thoughts and focus on the positive ones!
–listing qualities about yourself and listening when others compliment you
-get organized! Write as many to-do lists as you need: they free the mind and help to visualize what needs to be done in order to feel better
The emotional dimension
We all feel a range of emotions on a daily basis, some great, some… less great. We need to acknowledge and express those feelings as they are all valid. To help us cope with the frustrating situations that are draining our energy, it’s important to incorporate some emotional self-care into our routine.
Tips to practice emotional self-care :
–processing emotions in a healthy way (listing, talking them out, etc.)
-incorporating activities that help you recharge
–avoiding some situations that may cause negative emotions
-let a pet help you with your well-being. They are known to reduce stress!
Together, these tips will help you avoid feeling exhausted, uninspired or simply unwell. While you practice your self-care activities, keep a conscious mind and stay aware of how you feel. Building a self-care routine isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of strategy. It takes time and you will need to listen to yourself. But it is so rewarding!!
-xox- Marika
