Categories of Self Care

Blog Author: Ashley Guadalupe, MS, MFT Intern Counselor

​Something that we’ve begun hearing a lot more of is the idea of self-care, and it’s about time. “Self-care is the ongoing practice of self-awareness and self-regulation for the purpose of balancing psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of the individual (Carter & Barnett, 2014).” Self-care does not require spending a lot of money, or time, but it does require being intentional with the actions you are taking.
For some, self-care requires time alone to unwind, regroup, and prepare to engage with others again. For others, self-care looks like time spent with family or close friends doing an activity that they enjoy. It is important that you determine what approach to self-care works best for you.

Categories of self-care:

• Physical – engagement in activities that help you to be more active, i.e. working out, dancing, going for a walk.

• Spiritual – engagement in activities that honor your beliefs, i.e. going to a place of worship, spending time in nature, meditation/self-reflection

• Emotional – connect with your emotions and process them in a healthy manner, i.e. going to therapy, journaling, doing something creative

• Professional – doing something that helps you feel balanced and fulfilled in your career, i.e. set phone to DO NOT DISTURB at the end of a work day, schedule breaks on your calendar, attend a webinar/conference or speak with a mentor to develop your skills

• Personal – time alone doing an activity you enjoy, i.e. watching a favorite show or movie, listen to favorite song, take yourself on a date

• Social – engagement with friends and family, i.e. have/attend a game night, call a friend or family member to check in, cuddle with your adorable pet

• Environmental – keep your space clean, i.e. make your bed, declutter your desk,

• Financial – manage finances, i.e create workable budget (including money for fun)

 
Reference
Carter, L.A., & Barnett, J. E. (2014). Self-care for clinicians in training: A guide to psychological wellness for graduate students in psychology. Oxford University Press, Incorporated.