Practicing Emotional Self-Care
We talk a lot about different ways to practice self care and why it’s so important, especially for moms like us. But did you know that there are many specific kinds of self-care and each one serves a different purpose? Today we’re going to dive into emotional self-care because this time of year can bring up a lot of emotions and feelings. Being aware of how you’re feeling and how to best take care of yourself is key to maintaining a healthy and happy life.
When you think of emotional self-care, it’s like taking a scan of the inside of your body. How are your emotions making you feel? Give these things a name: happy, excited, sad, anxious. Are these feelings causing you to feel something physical? Does your sadness feel like a weight on your chest? Does anxiety feel like your insides are churning? After you think about these things, also consider if these emotions are making you feel energized or drained. With all of this information, you’re ready to start practicing emotional self-care.
An easy way to get in tune with your body is by practicing mindfulness. You can learn more about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your life through our Workbook: A Mom’s Guide to Wellness. Practicing mindfulness allows you to slow down and truly think about your feelings. Always remember, there are no right or wrong feelings, but allowing yourself to feel these things is the most important part.
It may seem a little surprising but a big part of emotional self-care is connecting with others. Humans are not meant to be isolated so reaching out to people you trust and love is very important. This could be simply just to chat or at a deeper level to ask for their help with something. By feeling a sense of connection to others, you can improve your emotional wellbeing.
Moving your body is also an important part of emotional self-care. This does not mean hardcore exercise routines that you dread but rather movement that you enjoy. If you like walking in the park, dancing in your basement, or even just gentle stretching on a yoga mat, doing something active helps your body feel energized. You can also practice mindfulness while you’re moving your body for a real double whammy.
Taking care of your emotional wellbeing is super important. Finding ways to stay in tune with your body will help you navigate both exciting and strenuous times throughout your life.
