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  • MIchele A. Aeck BS MS PhD

What is Self-Care and How to Practice It

Updated: Mar 18, 2022


A woman is practicing Yoga for self-care

A little time to yourself may seem counteractive to your goal of being family oriented, but it’s not. A little time to yourself to decompress and unwind allows you to be more present for the people you love. Don’t forget to take care of your own needs so that you can take care of the people you love.


Principle # 1 - Self-Care is Not Selfish

Self-care is taking care of oneself to better meet the needs of everybody and everything that demands your attention.


Principle # 2 - Self-Care Provides Balance

Balance guarantees success in all of life’s areas.


Principle # 3 - Self-Care is Contagious

Practicing Self-Care serves as an inspiration and a reminder to others to invest time and attention into themselves.


Principle # 4 - Self-Care is Practiced Everyday

Self-Care is not something you do occasionally, but something that is a part of your everyday life.


Principle # 5 - Self-Care means treating yourself well.

It will translate into success in health, career, relationships, and life. Self-Care is an investment and your impact in every situation will be improved.


Examples of Self-Care


15 minutes

  • Do some light stretches

  • Do an adult coloring book

  • Create a gratitude list and write down 5 things, people, places you’re grateful for

  • Read a calming passage in a book or your favorite inspirational quotes

  • Make a cup of tea

  • Write a seasonal bucket list

  • Make a travel wish list

  • Water your plants

  • Make a list of things or activities that make you feel grounded and relaxed (then do the activities on this list when you have more time!)

30 minutes

  • Go outside for a walk

  • Do a yoga video

  • Do watercolors

  • Call a friend

  • Run a hot bath (maybe hot tub)

  • Watch a favorite show that you’ve already watched a hundred times (The notebook and yes guys too)

  • Write in your journal

1 hour

  • Paint (watercolors, draw, pottery, wood carving)

  • Bake something that will make your kitchen smell delicious

  • Light some candles and curl up with a transportive book

  • Take an online dance or exercise class

  • Go for a walk in a new neighborhood

  • Turn off your devices and ease into your nighttime routine

  • Go hiking in nature

  • Walk on the beach and collect some pretty shells or sea glass

  • Have an outdoor picnic (weather permitting)

  • Go for a long bike ride

  • Relax in a hammock or couch with a good book or magazine

  • Clean your house (some people find this relaxing!)

  • What would you like to do and do it!



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