Self-Care Planning

Self-Care Planning

Written By: Elaine Lopez

Self-care planning requires a lot of time and hard-work to maintain continuously no matter what is being thrown your way. But first, what is a self-care plan? According to a ReachOut article it is “a plan that can help you enhance your health and wellbeing and manage stress.”

Aspects of Self-Care

Each and everybody has their own way to approaching their self-care. There are several aspects and strategies to self-care. The most common include: 

• Physical
• Psychological
• Emotional
• Spiritual
• Relationships with other people

Physical Self-Care

Physical self-care is all about activities which help you keep fit and healthy and with enough energy to get through all your commitments. Some was you can improve your physical self-care include:

• Develop a regular sleeping routine
• Aim for a healthy diet
• Take breaks
• Exercise regularly

Psychological Self-Care

Psychological self-care are activities which help clear your mind and will allow you to engage with professional challenges that are found in your school, work or personal life. Some was you can improve your psychological self-care include:

• Writing a reflective journal
• Seeking help from someone when needed
• Engaging in hobbies
• Relaxation
• Create a positive environment for yourself

Emotional Self-Care

Emotional self-care allows you to experience your full range of emotions. This can be achieved by:

• Developing supportive friendships
• Watching a movie or TV show
• Doing something you enjoy
• Meeting with a social group regularly
• Talking to someone you trust about how you are coping

Spiritual Self-Care

Spiritual self-care involves having a sense of perspective beyond the day-to-day of life.

• Engage in reflective practices meditation
• Go to church/temple/mosque
• Do yoga

Relationship Self-Care

Relationship self-care is about maintaining healthy and supportive relationships. It ensures you have diversity in your relationships.

• Prioritise close relationships in your life e.g. with partners, family, children and friends
• Attend special events of your family and friends

The best way to find your own perfect self-care plan is trial and error. It is best to try a bunch of different options to see what works the best and narrow down from there. Here are some things you need to remember and ensure:

• The activities you choose are ones that you enjoy doing and that also support your wellbeing
• Write down your plan and place it on a spot that you will be able to look at it every day such as your fridge, memo board, mirror or other places
• Stick to the plan and practice the activities regularly whether it be every other day or every single day
• Reflect on how you are doing at the end of each month to see your progression

References:

https://schools.au.reachout.com/articles/developing-a-self-care-plan
https://csustemvista.wordpress.com/2016/04/04/long-term-volunteering-and-self-care/

https://au.pinterest.com/pin/500955158520880781/