Self-care means consciously and actively looking after your own well-being, both physically and mentally and emotionally. It is about taking time and space to recognise and fulfil your own needs. This can be done through various measures and activities that promote well-being, reduce stress and support your own health.
Self-care encompasses many levels:
- Physical self-care: sufficient sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, medical check-ups - or a cosmetic appointment
- Emotional & mental self-care: taking breaks, reducing stress, pursuing hobbies, encouraging creativity, mindfulness, allowing and processing feelings, talking to friends or therapists
- Social self-care: maintaining relationships, seeking support, setting clear boundaries
- Spiritual self-care: reflection, meditation, dealing with deep questions of meaning or religious or spiritual practices
Be aware that self-care is not selfish, but a necessary prerequisite for staying healthy and balanced in the long term and being equally available to other people.
In our series on self-care, we will soon be giving you more information on the topics of ‘emotional and mental self-care’ and ‘social self-care’.
