5 Pillars to a Healthy Life

Does self-care ever feel as though it is just another thing on your to-do list? Maybe you desperately need self-care, but aren’t exactly sure how to successfully do so? This push for a guide to self-care ultimately leads to a rushed internet search on “self-care guides” which only leaves you with hundreds of suggestions and tips which leaves you even more stressed than the start. 

The complex nature of self-care can lead you in a million directions, but the problem is; you aren’t even sure what self-care should look or even feel like. A simple solution to avoid that extra stress and those feelings of being overwhelmed: the five pillars of self-care.

So what exactly are the five pillars of self-care? Well, each pillar works as a piece to the puzzle you are desperately needing to complete. Think about the pillars as an overall guide to finding yourself again; seriously, what more could a person ask for?

The 5 Pillars: 

1. Mental/Emotional Self-Care
2. Physical Self-Care
3. Spatial Self-Care
4. Experiential Self-Care 
5. Social Self-Care 

How to Guide: 

Yet, again you are given another list, but don’t let this list be your demise. Do not push yourself to believe you have to find a balance between each of the five pillars. You need to focus on a balance of aspects of the pillars that fit into your life. Instead, focus one various aspects of the puzzle of self-care for a day, a week or maybe even a month. When you feel as though you might be ready to add more puzzle pieces, add some others! 

The Five Pillars of Self Care 


#1 Mental/Emotional Self Care 

Mental and emotional self-care seem to be the hardest aspects of the puzzle that everyone tends to struggle with. In order to practice mental and emotional self-care you need to cultivate a healthy mindset. Many of the same habits we are reluctant to break impact our long term mental and emotional well-being. This is when self-care becomes even more critical. As you start to implement the various tips below, you may find a spike in your sadness or your worries - this is what we need to adjust. Healthy coping strategies and self-compassion will tap into your emotional well-being and force you to cope with challenges and setbacks in a positive manner.

Examples: 

Unplug from social media - designate time daily or weekly to intentionally break away and unplug from all aspects of the internet or social media. 

Keep a journal- write about your day, week or even just a thought or feeling from your day that stuck with you. Don’t always focus on the negatives of the day; highlight your successes! Certainly don’t forget those positive affirmations! 

Listen to your favorite songs- don’t be afraid to have a dance session to your favorite tunes! 

Ask for help when you need it- this will help build bonds between you and whom you ask for help. Healthy relationships are the key to emotional self-care. 

Set Boundaries - this will help to protect not only yourself, but your time and energy

#2 Physical Self-Care: 

We all know physical self-care involves taking care of our bodies through exercise, eating healthy, practicing good hygiene and getting proper sleep, but when you practice these aspects of physical self-care, you can increase your energy, productivity levels and most importantly, boost your self-esteem. 

Examples: 

Eat proper meals- Yes, three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner! Don’t forget to add in some snacks too! 

Sleep- You should be getting about 7-8 hours of sleep each night. 

Exercise- Go to the gym or even a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood. Maybe even try a new workout class at home! 

Daily vitamins- Take a daily vitamin or supplements that work for you to improve your overall health and function of your body! You may see a difference! 

Drink more water - Hydration  helps our body and mind function at the best level

Practice good hygiene- The Happy Mouth Gift Set is perfect for starting a natural oral care routine that also helps the planet! 

#3 Spatial Self-Care 

Spatial self-care involves taking care of the space and environment that surrounds you. The more organized your immediate space is around you, the more it will help your mind and body thrive. Think of this as a way to declutter the unneeded stressors around you. 

Examples: 

Arrange your workspace- Maybe add an extra organizer or even a fun plant to spruce up your workspace. A clean and organized workspace leads to an organized mind! 

Declutter your living spaces- Ditch those things you haven’t been using! 

Create a space for you- Design areas in your home that exude serenity and peace. These spaces are great for a much needed mental break! 

Experiential Self-Care

This pillar involves your hobbies, fun activities or adventures through new experiences or connecting with old ones. Experiences are essential on the journey to self-care as it serves as a means to escape from the pressures of our “to-do” lists and to simply let go and enjoy life’s adventures. 

Examples: 

Take time for hobbies and activities

Go on an adventure with friends or individually

Go on a trip; maybe even a little staycation

Make time to be with friends and family



#4 Social Self Care

It is extremely important to connect with friends and family and even the occasional stranger. Social self-care involves creating and cultivating healthy relationships with people who push you to be your best self. Those positive social connections will help you to create a sense of acceptance.

Examples: 

Spend time with friends and family whose company you enjoy

Reach out to a friend or loved one 

Chat online 

Volunteer with a group

Buy a gift for a loved one

The 5 Pillars to a Healthy Life is more than just a how-to-guide, it's a framework for living your life with self care at the forefront. Self care will become something you are accustomed to practicing instead of needing to feel like "you earned it" or "found the time". LIVE IN SELF CARE!