A wise person once said that to have love and compassion for others, we must first fill our own cup. The act of “filling our cup” is a form of self-care, and without caring for ourselves first, we may not be able to provide deep care for others. Caring for the self requires a holistic approach. To start, be honest with yourself about how you are doing emotionally, physically, psychologically, spiritually, and socially. Self-care is unique to each individual. To care for and love ourselves, it’s essential that we check-in often with how we are feeling. After checking-in, we can then do the things we feel are necessary to maintain our happiness, health, and self-development.

Looking after ourselves in all aspects of life is important; when we fail to care for our own needs, we may feel stressed, ill, ungrounded, and generally unhappy. By practicing even small acts of self-care daily, we can reduce stress, enhance well-being, and sustain a happy and healthy life.

Self-care is not a selfish act; in fact, caring for your whole self can allow you to be more present and find the tools needed to achieve your goals. Giving yourself some TLC should not make you feel like you are adding more tasks to your daily to-do list; instead, caring for yourself lovingly each day can be something you look forward to doing.

Acts of Self-Care

Emotional care encompasses really listening to how you feel, knowing that all feelings and emotions are welcome, offering self-compassion, and setting boundaries.

Caring for your physical self may include your yoga asana practice, going for walks, prioritizing sleep, and eating nourishing meals.

Psychological self-care incorporates practicing meditation or mindfulness, reading, journaling, or even participating in a digital detox, which may include staying off of social media for a day.

Spiritual self-care could involve your meditation or mindfulness practice, connecting with like-minded people, volunteering, or studying spiritual texts that are meaningful to you.

Social self-care includes connecting with others, being open to asking for help, and spending time with loved ones. 

Taking a holistic look at all areas of your life, where can you create self-care rituals that will fill your cup this season?

About the Author:

Kara Willingham discovered the benefits of yoga, meditation, and regular practice in 2013. After embarking upon her first retreat and taking the time to listen to her body, she simply fell in love. Over the years, Kara has immersed herself in the world of yoga and enjoys how her practice is ever-changing and always growing. Kara finds joy in teaching yoga, building relationships within her community, and sharing her passion for wellness with others.