Shorter Version

Est. Reading Time: 1 Minute

Attending to our basic self-care seems like common sense, but we are conditioned to prioritize everything and everyone above ourselves. Self-care can feel selfish.  However, in order to be the best versions of ourselves, we must look first to our own physical and emotional health. It is widely accepted to exist as chronically sleep-deprived, “oh, I forgot to eat today,” haven’t-seen-a-doctor-in-five-years human beings. Because, if we’re not burning the candle at both ends, we’re not truly adulting, right?

Wrong! Self-care is the foundation of adulting

Instead, let’s focus on getting enough restful sleep and moving, eating, and drinking to fuel our bodies. Additionally, let’s work to become more comfortable setting appropriate boundaries, utilizing coping skills, and turning to professionals for their medical and psychological expertise when needed.

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Longer Version

Est. Reading Time: 8 Minutes

Too often, we categorize self-care activities as “luxuries.” I implore you to flip that narrative. Are you afraid of flying? I hope not, otherwise, the following analogy is really going to crash and burn (yikes). Okay, so, you’re on an airplane: the cabin pressure drops and the oxygen masks are released. As instructed, you place the mask on yourself before assisting another flyer with their mask. Frankly, you’re no good to another person if you are rendered unconscious. Self-care is paramount and necessary to navigate the world in a productive and meaningful way.

So, what is self-care?

Self-care is anything we do deliberately to tend to our mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing.

Self-care is something that refuels rather than reduces. While it isn’t one-size-fits-all, there are some universally accepted self-care essentials. As we begin to acknowledge the significance of self-care, my hope as that we also prioritize those things that are so easily overlooked. Bear with me, because this is where I start sounding like your (barely-older-than-you) parent.

Are you…

Getting enough restful sleep?

Sleep hygiene is key! 7-9 hours of sleep each night is ideal. Your room should be dark, quiet and comfortably cool.  Here’s where it gets tricky. Ready? Keep your phone out of reach. Turn off your TV, computer, tablet, etc. That’s right, for optimal sleep, anything involving a screen must be turned off / removed at least an hour prior to getting into bed. Use your bed only for sleeping (and if you choose, sexual activities). Our brains are creatures of habit.

Each time you hang out in bed and engage in non-sleeping activities, you are reinforcing that bed ≠ sleep time.

Even if space is limited and you cannot go to another room to binge Netflix or browse the interwebz, I encourage you to set up a comfortable spot somewhere that isn’t your bed. Also, if you are in bed and unable to fall asleep after 20-ish minutes, get your butt out of bed and read (a book, not on your phone) until you start to feel tired. Repeat as necessary.

Moving your body?

Exercise is as important for our emotional wellbeing as it is for our physical health. This is because it increases serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and increased energy. Getting started can feel overwhelming, but remember to choose activities that you don’t hate. Or, do what I do, and stream your favorite Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime shows as you jog on your treadmill. I don’t love running, but having a show or series that I enjoy and designating it as a “treadmill show” helps to encourage me to move when I otherwise wouldn’t.

Start by making small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Ask a friend to walk around town with you. Actually make friends with people who have similar fitness-related goals so you can motivate and hold one another accountable. 

Drinking enough water throughout your day?

Generally speaking, we really suck at staying hydrated. The recommended daily water intake is eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember. So why is it so difficult for some of us to implement? Well, we make excuses, get too busy, forget, don’t have time for bathroom breaks, don’t like the taste of water, drink several cups of coffee (and that counts… right?), etc.

Make it a point to have a bottle of water with you at all times.

Set reminders on your phone – yup, schedule times to drink water. Unapologetically take bathroom breaks after reminding yourself that you are a human being and everything you put into your body must eventually come out. Make water more interesting and palatable by adding your favorite fruit.  Also, you’ll be pleased to hear that other beverages, like milk and fruit juice (and yes – coffee in moderation), count as well.

Eating to fuel your body?

We each have different dietary preferences and requirements as well as ideas of when and how we should be eating. Three meals a day? Or, rather, two large meals with several smaller meals in between? Should we fast intermittently? How about eating keto or vegan? Should all of our food be organically and ethically sourced? What about Hormone-free, Pesticide-free, Non-GMO? I hold my own dietary beliefs and principles and to be honest, they are constantly evolving. But, with that being said, can we agree to limit processed foods and that whole foods (closest to their original form) are typically the way to go? I am not a Dietician/Nutritionist and I would advise you to make an appointment with someone who is, in order to establish a personalized plan. This is a nice segue into my next point!

Turning to professionals for their medical and psychological expertise?

Go to the doctor. Get regular checkups with a primary care physician, dentist, etc. See a mental health therapist. Visit an acupuncturist or practitioner of functional medicine. While, understandably, barriers are often financial in nature, don’t wait until something is majorly wrong before making an appointment with a health care provider.

Long story short, seek the services of people who know more than you do.

And as a dear friend who happens to be a personal trainer so wisely said, “build your team.”

Setting appropriate boundaries?

To take the best care of ourselves, we must become more comfortable with “no.”

• “No” to checking emails and answering work-related calls during lunch breaks or after a certain time.
• Say “No” to social engagements and interactions when you’re exhausted.
• “No” to a project that isn’t an appropriate fit.
• Say “No” to a favor for a friend when you are unable to provide the required amount of time/money/effort.

Setting and maintaining boundaries effectively takes a lot of reflection and practice. If “no” isn’t a viable option, consider prioritizing, negotiating and/or delegating instead.

Utilizing coping skills?

Sometimes, “self-care” is used interchangeably with “coping skills.” Some coping strategies do in fact fall under the self-care umbrella. Simply, self-care practices build up our physical/emotional/spiritual health reserves while coping strategies help us navigate through a particular and transient experience. Self-care activities maintain and replenish in a long-term sense while coping skills are typically used for a set amount of time in specific scenarios. So, when should we use coping skills?

Coping skills/activities are best utilized during times of stress and discomfort and to prevent further escalation.

Types of Coping Skills:

Actionable Steps

About the Author

Rachael Packer

Mental Health Therapist (BSW, MSW, LCSW)

Rachael is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working as a therapist for over six years. She received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Millersville University and her clinical hours, supervision and experience working as an Outpatient Clinical Therapist within a community agency.

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