With the harshest winter months behind us, March is the perfect month to set aside time for self-care. This is primarily why this month is National Self-Care Month – a whole month dedicated to encouraging individuals to develop and strengthen obtainable self-care goals. Whether it be altering a diet to become healthier or beginning a gratitude journal at night to become more mindful, there are countless ways you can feel more fulfilled by taking care of yourself.
Self-care is a positive way to uplift our bodies, minds and souls through enriching ourselves. However, it can be hard to stop everything; to take time to better oneself. With the constant pressure from social media, which presents individuals in their best light, we all feel the pressure to be doing more. All this said, our bodies can sense this stress and, if not addressed, the stress will manifest itself in health or emotional problems. Do not let this be the case. Let March be the month that you take charge of taking care of yourself. Keep reading for five self-care ideas to kick start your self-care journey, not only for this month, but for the entire year!
Self-Care Idea #1: Decide on one self-care category to focus on. According to an article from Peaceful Living Counseling and Professional Services, there are five categories of self-care. First, up is Physical Self-Care, which deals with nutrition, sleep, exercise, water intake, medication, supplements and breathing. Secondly, there is Lifestyle Self-Care. This aspect deals with structure/routine, goal setting, time in nature and pressure. Thirdly, is Mental/Emotional Self-Care, which deals with positive self-talk/beliefs, journaling, working through grief, psychotherapy and collaborating with a therapist. Fourth, is People/Support Self-Care, which deals with family, friends, psychiatrist/therapist, minister/rabbi, support group, day treatment and community service. Finally, there is Spiritual Self-Care, which deals with prayer, meditation, spiritual community, forgiveness and finding purpose/meaning. Consider your life and what area you feel needs the most support, then pick this as the category to focus on.
Self-Care Idea #2: Make a gratitude list. While this can be a list of things you are grateful for, try making this a list of people for whom you are grateful. After finishing the list, take a step further by deciding how you want to show them your gratitude. From there, write them a handwritten card, send them a funny email, drop them a small gift in the mail, etc. Simply the act of saying “thank you” will make both parties feel amazing.
Self-Care Idea #3: Check your finances. While this self-care idea may not sound like the most fun, it is important to realize where exactly your paycheck is going. While writing down every monthly expense is one method to analyze your spending, there are also a host of different apps tailored to helping individuals discover where they are spending the most. You would be surprised at how you will look at your daily Starbucks runs, or nightly Amazon shopping, afterwards!
Self-Care Idea #4: Clean out the closets! While the KonMari technique – where you “keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy” – may not be for everyone, there is a deep sense of relief when we can get rid of things we no longer need. You will feel much better knowing your items are helping someone in need, rather than sitting in your closet collecting dust. Cleaning out will not only help get rid of clutter, it will declutter your mind, as well. Consider how pleasant your closet will appear neat and tidy, versus the opposite.
Self-Care Idea #5: Instead of making a vision board, make an achievement one. While vision boards are great, it is also important to take time to celebrate the items you have already accomplished. For this easy self-care idea, simply take time one day to write down everything you have done of which you are proud. This could be anything from getting your master’s degree, to winning the third grade spelling bee – that is still an achievement to celebrate! Place your list where you can see it, like a mirror where you brush your teeth, on your car dashboard or at work on your desk bulletin board. This is an effortless way to remind you of what an amazing warrior you already are!
