5 Pillars to a Healthy Life
•Posted on June 12 2021
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:
- Mental/Emotional Self-Care
- Physical Self-Care
- Spatial Self-Care
- Experiential Self-Care
- 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:
#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:
#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:
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:
#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:
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!