These are my six key components of self care, and how I do, and anyone can, integrate it into his or her life.
1. Sleep
I have struggled with sleeping problems since I was in middle school. Last summer I had a tonsillectomy to help, but the issue was pervasive. I recently underwent a sleep study in which I stayed overnight in a clinic. Sleep is something often neglected, sleep deprivation is even glamorized. With that being said, it feels freeing taking steps towards gaining control over lethargy and productivity, other than chugging cups of caffeine.
2. Movement
As someone who played sports, finding a way to exercise and enjoy it was difficult...until I found the Fitbit. The Fitbit sets you the goal of 10,000 steps per day. When I initially wore it I realized that at the end of day I had a small fraction of that: a mere 3,000 steps. After failing that first time, I made sure I met that goal of 10,000, and I have ever since. Achieving that goal each day gives me enough gratification to maintain the streak and keep up a more active lifestyle. I recently hit 21,000 steps in a day, and I keep looking forward to the feeling of the increasing numbers.
3. Food
I stopped consistently eating meat when I moved to university two years ago. This summer, I realized that I had grown a distaste for meat and decided to commit to the label of a pescatarian. With that being said, I knew I had to be aware of the overconsumption of carbs, and therefore, began searching out healthy proteins I could eat. I bought a vegetarian cookbook, and ran with it. Veggie burgers, beans, eggs, fruit, salmon, shrimp, quinoa, and yogurt became my staples. I didn't realize that I stopped craving meat until my uncle asked how much I wanted the steak they were eating. The answer was not at all, I just really REALLY craved a salad.
4. Environment
I am very susceptible to the moods of the environments I am in; therefore, making sure I surround myself with positivity is a big part of self-care. That is why I got a job working at my local fitness center. Seeing, helping and working with people who valued their health, motivated me to do the same. At home, my favorite way to create a positive environment is by doing face masks and following a skin care routine. This little indulgence is not only, obviously super great for my skin, it is also incredibly stress relieving.
5. Art
Art and creativity are what inspire me. An inspired mind is a healthy one, so I like to make sure that I am constantly artistically stimulated. I seek out new music, and cultivate playlists of my favorites. I appreciate writing, mostly poetry. Occasionally, I also venture out to the museums and exhibits that the city I am in has to offer.
6. Love
When I take care myself, I radiate and feel the desire to share the love with others. Showing my friends that I care and support them has been incredibly important to me. I send the "miss you" and "thinking of you" texts, I recently had cookies delivered to a friend, and tomorrow I am going on a picnic with another friend. Love and care is a positive feedback loop which lifts everyone up.
