Self-care Isn’t Just About Skin Care

“Skincare is self-care.” We’ve heard of this line before, and while it is true, it makes one think if there are other kinds of self-care. Do we pamper our skin until it glows our stresses away? Of course not. Here are other ways you can and should take care of yourself to ensure a holistically healthy life.

1. Physical 

Alongside taking care of your skin is also taking care of the other aspects of your body. Don’t neglect your oral health; set a schedule at your go-to dental clinic. Don’t stay in front of your computer all day without so much as a few minutes of stretches, and understand the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise, eat healthy, floss, wear sunscreen. Taking care of your body will help you become healthy and, in turn, will help you be less susceptible to illnesses.

2. Mental

Of course, among the most well-known and most important aspects of self-care is the mental aspect. You need to take better care of your mind, not let stresses and worries affect you too much. Practicing stoicism and mindfulness is a great way to minimize the dangers of stress. Learning emotional literacy to navigate better and understand your emotions is also paramount to your mental health.

One of the most important things you should learn to take better care of yourself is practicing self-empathy and self-compassion. Far too often, we’re too hard on ourselves when we truly deserve something.

3. Professional

You might be surprised to see work count as self-care, but it’s definitely part of it. Being able to share your gifts and talents adds to our sense of being and fulfillment. This can be found at work, so taking care of your professional life also counts towards self-care. With your colleagues and bosses, make sure that you set respectful boundaries so that your work does not bleed into your personal life. The last thing you’d want is to stress over an email while trying to relax with friends or family on the weekend.

4. Social

At the end of the day, humans are social creatures that require social connections. Having a good support system is critical in self-care. Not just for you to rely on others, no. While that’s part of it, social self-care includes interacting and connecting with other people healthily. Social self-care is honor commitments made with friends and family and recognize when you need help and when you can help. It’s spending precious moments with loved ones. All of these might sound like basic self-care advice, but when we stop taking care of ourselves, we fail to see the simple things.

5. Environmental

One of the major contributors to stress and anxiety is clutter. When we have a cluttered workspace or rest area, we don’t get to focus or rest. That’s why having a well-maintained and organized space for us to concentrate or rest is crucial. Be it home or work environment, consciously keeping your surroundings clean and tidy can help a lot when it comes to maintaining a sense of peace. Plus, the sense of accomplishment it provides can provide a sense of hope and fulfillment. Taking care of your surroundings, like your room or your workspace, is self-care, too.

7. Financial

Protecting yourself from a financial crisis is one of the best help you can give yourself. Whether you are still young and in your prime or well into your adult life with considerable years into your career, taking good care of your financial health can save you from bankruptcy, help set you up for a better future, and give you better opportunities for success. Chip away at your debts as much as you can, even if it’s just a little at a time.

But remember that the sooner you pay it off, the closer you reach financial freedom. Also, understand your financial situation so you can have better insight and be able to act accordingly. Save money, invest, track your spending, and do your taxes. The more you integrate informed and responsible financial actions into your life, the more you’ll feel secure in this aspect.

8. Spiritual

Here’s one thing that we must not forget: we need to take care of our spirit too. Regardless of your faith belief, it’s important to self-reflect and come to terms with our own spirituality. Going on walks, meditating, and reflecting on our actions can contribute to better spiritual health, contributing to our overall wellness.

It may sound like a lot, but in the future, you will thank yourself for taking the time and energy to take care of yourself now.