Self-Care: Prioritize YOU

​
​When you think of self-care, what do you think of — spa day, playing hookie, shopping for a new wardrobe, or binge-watching your favorite show?

Sure, activities like pampering yourself can definitely feel good, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying those moments! However, these activities are often more externally focused. Self-care, in its truest form, is multi-dimensional; it encompasses biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects.

• Biologically, self-care is about taking care of our physical bodies — eating nourishing foods, getting regular exercise or daily movement, and prioritizing proper sleep hygiene.
  • Self-Regulation falls within the biological category of self-care because you are taking ownership of calming your nervous system. As a child, our parents or guardians were responsible for helping us regulate. However, if we never learn to do this, we may fall into the habit of transferring that responsibility to others, like in our adult relationships. It is imperative that we call upon our inner parent to soothe our inner child. If we feel angry, we check-in with ourselves and ask, "Hey you, what's going on? What are you feeling right now? What do you need right now?" Once you know what you need, then you can take action to find a healthy outlet for that anger. Maybe you need to scream into a pillow, go for a run, or get into a tight ball and feel your muscles contract then relax. This simple, compassionate check-in can make an immense impact on our well-being. 
• Psychologically, self-care is about nurturing our mental health. Creating space for our thoughts and feelings without judgment allows us to cultivate self-compassion. Beyond our daily emotions, addressing deeper mental health challenges — such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use — is essential for long-term well-being.
• Socially, filling our cup with healthy relationships plays a vital role in our self-care. There’s a saying, "Your vibe attracts your tribe," that rings true. If you don't respect yourself, you may unintentionally attract people who don’t respect you either. As I developed greater self-love and respect, I began to attract relationships aligned with those values. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community — friends, family, and colleagues who care about you — is a powerful way to practice self-care. It reflects how much you value yourself and what you deserve in return.
• Spiritually, being part of something greater than ourselves is often overlooked as a key part of self-care. However, it’s becoming more widely recognized that nourishing our spiritual well-being can significantly impact our overall health. Spirituality doesn’t necessarily have to affiliate with an organized religion (though it can, if that resonates with you). It can  also be a personal practice that involves exploring meaning and purpose, and cultivating a deeper connection to the people and world around us.

Self-care is never a selfish act. We can’t pour from an empty cup — we need to care for ourselves before we can effectively care for others. This idea ties directly into the concept of self-transcendence, which starts with “us.” We focus inward first, so we can direct our energy outward into the world. Understanding who we are and what we need is crucial before we can truly show up for anyone else.

REFLECTION
When it comes to what we need, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Through my coaching journey, I’ve learned that self-care is deeply unique to each individual. Sure, there are general practices that can benefit everyone (like getting enough rest, setting boundaries, and practicing mindfulness). But beyond that, every person has their own needs and preferences.
​
Take boundaries, for example. We all know how important they are, but what those boundaries look like will vary from person to person. Some might feel comfortable saying "yes" to certain requests, while others may feel the need to say "no." When it comes to physical self-care, some people might go for a run when they feel anxious, while others find yoga or meditation more helpful. It’s like how different plants need different amounts of sunlight and water — we each need our own unique ways to nourish ourselves.