I learned about emotional self care waaayyyyy too late in life . If I’d have learned about the importance of emotional health when I learned about parallelograms, I probably would have side-stepped a whole lotta heartache.
If it were up to me, emotional self care would be a required class for everyone starting in middle school. But since it’s not, let’s get an education on why a self care routine is critical. This post is about practical emotional self care for every day life.
Why is Emotional Self Care So Important?
Emotional self-care means that you have everything you need to meet your own emotional needs. You aren’t relying on circumstances outside yourself to dictate how your every day life plays out.
Let’s talk about some practices that are so important to practicing emotional self care.
5 Easy Every Day Ways to Practice Emotional Self Care
- Mindful Meditation : Meditation isn’t just for monks on mountaintops. Think of this as pressing the pause button on life’s remote. It’s letting your brain take a mini-vacay, away from the daily hustle. Don’t stress about ‘doing it right’; there’s no ‘right’. Five minutes or fifty, it’s all about quieting down and checking in. You don’t need anything special to do this. I’ve tried several of the self care apps and I think these are the right place to start to practice mindfulness if you’re a beginner: Headspac e , 10% Happier and Insight Timer .
- Self Care Journal : I remember buying my first little locking diary at the drug store when I was about 12 and I’ve been obsessed with journaling ever since. (Anyone else remember those diaries with little locks??). Journaling is one of my favorite self care activities. Personally, I use a wide-ruled composition notebook that costs less than a buck. But there are a lot of self care journals to pick from. You can just write free form off the top of your head, use self care journal prompts or follow a more creative journey, you can follow along with Julia Cameron in her book, The Artists Way.
- Nature’s Therapy : I’m a freak for nature. And there’s nothing like standing barefoot in grass that makes me feel grounded. Mother Nature can heal in so many ways: forest bathing (and breathing in the beneficial phytoncides released by trees), gardening (which reminds you of life cycles), bird watching (a practice that requires patience and walking near water (which can naturally increase your serotonin levels).
- Edit the Drama : I remember when TV had 5 channels and rabbit ears. Every night at midnight the star spangled banner would pay and after that, the screen would be snowy until the next morning. Emotional self care was aided by television schedules. Times have changed, but our brains have not kept pace and mental health issues are rising rapidly. Our brains need time to rest. Take some time to edit your social media feeds. Decide how you want to feel, set your intention to reduce stress and delete any apps, followers, etc. that increase negative self talk or negative emotions. You are in charge of your own emotions.
- Curate Community : Mental and emotional self care requires community. Isolation is on the rise and it can decrease your overall quality of life. Make a point to get out of the house daily. Solitude is one thing, but isolation can stir up all kinds of negative feelings and wreak havoc on your nervous system. I have a gym membership at park district. It’s a low cost way to be around people, even if we aren’t interacting. There are days when I’ve gone to the grocery store with the intention of speaking to every single person I saw. So often, that’s where you’ll find the elderly shopping alone. Small talk and being in the present moment in our everyday life is a practice we need to adopt for life.
Creating Your Emotional Self Care Checklist
I have 5 practices in place that I pay attention to every day. Because as one of my favorite mentors has always said, “What are you practicing? Because whether you know it or not, you’re practicing something.”
Oh, so true. Are you practicing scarcity? Fear? Not enoughness? Or are you practicing self compassion, healthy ways of living, physical activity, breathing exercises and healthy boundaries?
Start with a base of self-awareness: know your triggers, your comforts, and those sneaky emotions that creep up. Add a sprinkle of activities that light you up – maybe it’s kick boxing, going to the bookstore or cranking Kelly Clarkson.
Stir in a good dose of boundary setting (remember, saying ‘no’ is a full sentence). And always, always top it off with a generous splash of laughter.
Here’s My 5 Daily Emotional Self Care Practices:
- Wake up and meditate 10 minutes.
- Write 3 pages in my journal.
- Drink 48 oz. water.
- 30 minutes of moving my body.
- Take this bestselling probiotic , hair growth supplement and multi-vitamin.
Your Self Care Plan:
Here’s a list of 10 essential items to consider including in your self-care plan:
- Physical Activity : Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, dancing, or hitting the gym, ensure some form of physical activity that you enjoy is part of your routine.
- Healthy Nutrition : Incorporate a balanced diet, making room for both nourishing meals and the occasional treat. Stay hydrated and be mindful of what you consume.
- Sleep : Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a bedtime ritual that promotes restful sleep. This might include reading, meditation, or calming music.
- Mental Breaks : Schedule short breaks throughout the day, especially if you have a busy or sedentary job. This can include deep breathing exercises, quick stretches, or simply stepping outside for fresh air.
- Mindfulness and Meditation : Dedicate time for practices that help center and ground you, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling.
- Boundaries : Clearly define your personal and professional boundaries. Learn to say “no” and prioritize your own well-being.
- Social Connections : Ensure quality time with loved ones, friends, or supportive community groups. Social connections can be vital for emotional well-being.
- Personal Growth : Dedicate time for activities that promote personal growth, such as reading, attending workshops, or learning a new skill or hobby.
- Digital Detox : Set aside specific times where you disconnect from digital devices, allowing your mind a break from constant stimuli.
- Relaxation Techniques : Find what helps you relax, whether it’s taking baths, listening to music, aromatherapy, or engaging in hobbies, and make time for these regularly.
This posts was about emotional self care and offers insight and practical ways to improve your emotional self care to improve your daily mood.
