In this post, I’m going into the 8 types of self care and show you how each of them can improve your overall wellness, to help you find more balance in your life.
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Tired of feeling off-balance?
Then it’s probably time to get serious about your self care.
And no, I’m not talking bubble baths and face masks (though they are great!).
True self care is about nourishing every part of your being.
It can be divided up into 8 different types, and each one will help you create balance and joy in your life.
So, ready to figure out how to transform your life for the better?
What is Self Care, Really?
Self care means taking intentional actions to care for your mind, body, and soul.
But what many people don’t realize is that self care extends far beyond what we often think of—like a day at the spa or a relaxing night in.
In fact, there are actually 8 different types of self care.
Each type focuses on a different area of your life, helping you create a more comprehensive and personalized self care routine.
By understanding these 8 categories, you can make sure you’re caring for your whole self, not just parts of it.
Let’s break them down so you can see how to care for every aspect of who you are.
The 8 Types of Self Care
As I explained before, self care isn’t just one thing—it’s a collection of practices that touch every part of your life.
And each type of self care plays its own part in forming the optimal balance in your well-being, from your emotions to your environment.
Below, we will explore the 8 different types of self care so you can build a routine that supports you, inside and out!
1. Emotional Self Care
Emotional self care is all about tending to your feelings and allowing yourself to express, process, and manage them.
It means allowing yourself to feel emotions without judgment and finding healthy ways to express them.
Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or having a heart-to-heart with someone you trust, emotional self care helps you stay grounded.
And it’s especially important during stressful times—when we often tend to bottle things up.
Because practicing emotional self care regularly ensures that you don’t let negative emotions build up.
You emotions are there for a reason, and they deserve your attention.
2. Physical Self Care
Our bodies carry us through the day, and physical self care ensures we’re taking care of them.
This involves more than just exercise—it’s about getting enough sleep, nourishing your body (hydrate!!), and getting enough rest.
Physical self care can be as simple as stretching in the morning, taking a walk in nature, or fueling your body with nourishing food.
Moving your body in ways that feel good to you, like stretching, yoga, or dancing, also fits under this category.
Listen to your body’s signals, whether that’s recognizing when you need to rest or realizing that a little movement can lift your mood.
Your body does so much for you; and by giving it the attention and care it deserves, you’ll only get more energy in return!
3. Mental Self Care
Mental self care focuses on stimulating and nurturing your mind.
This could mean learning new things on a daily basis, or challenging your brain with puzzles.
And of course reading, practicing mindfulness, or setting aside time for creativity.
Mental self care might also involve setting boundaries with media consumption, particularly if it’s causing stress or anxiety.
Think of it as giving your brain a workout—just like physical exercise keeps your body fit, mental self care keeps your mind sharp.
It’s all about stimulating your brain and keeping your mind sharp and engaged.
4. Social Self Care
We’re wired for connection, and social self care ensures you’re nurturing your relationships with others.
Whether it’s scheduling coffee with a friend, joining a social club, or simply making time for a call with someone you care about, this type of self care helps you feel connected and supported.
It’s about creating a support system and fostering relationships that bring you joy.
And when you take the time to nourish your connections with friends, family, and your community, you’ll find that your emotional and mental well-being improves, too.
5. Spiritual Self Care
Spiritual self care isn’t necessarily about religion (though it can be if that resonates with you).
It helps you connect with something greater than yourself, whether that’s through prayer, meditation, or simply spending time in nature.
Anything that allows you to align with your inner values and feel more centered, is spiritual self care.
For me, that’s yoga.
But also practicing gratitude, or simply reflecting on what matters most to me, helps me realign and focus again.
Spiritual self care is really personal, so just remember: whatever nourishes your soul and brings a sense of peace and purpose into your life, that’s what you’re looking for!
6. Environmental Self Care
Your surroundings impact your well-being more than you might think.
And environmental self care is all about creating spaces that make you feel calm and happy.
This could mean decluttering your space, or decorating your home to make it more “you”.
Even small changes, like adding plants to your home or rearranging your furniture, can have a positive impact on your mental and emotional state.
A cluttered, chaotic environment can lead to stress, while a clean and organized space can bring a sense of calm and clarity.
So put some effort into surrounding yourself with things that give you energy, and take care of your environment by practicing sustainability.
Whether it’s keeping your home tidy, creating a cozy atmosphere, or spending time in nature, environmental self care is all about feeling comfortable in your space.
7. Financial Self Care
Financial stress is one of the most common sources of anxiety, which is why financial self care is so important.
It’s about taking steps to feel more in control of your finances, whether that’s creating a budget, saving for the future, or simply getting a better understanding of your financial situation.
By practicing financial self care, you reduce money-related stress and build a sense of security, allowing you to focus on other areas of self care without worry.
Even small actions, like tracking your spending or setting financial goals, can help you feel more empowered in this area.
8. Recreational Self Care
Recreational self care focuses on making time for fun and play.
Whether it’s picking up a hobby, playing sports, or simply watching a movie, recreational self care lets you unwind and enjoy activities that bring you joy.
Maybe it’s even letting your inner child come out and play!
Doing things just for fun is a crucial way to recharge and boost your mood.
It’s a reminder that self care doesn’t always have to be serious—it can be playful and lighthearted too.
Practicing All 8 Types of Self Care
It will probably feel extremely overwhelming to focus on all 8 types of self care at once.
So start start by focusing on one or two areas that resonate with you the most, or the area you feel needs the most attention right now.
Maybe you’ve been neglecting your emotional health or your environment needs a little love.
Wherever you choose to begin, it’s up to YOU!
There’s absolutely no wrong or right way to do this.
Gradually incorporate these types of self care into your life in a way that feels natural for you.
Slowly but surely, you will build a well-rounded self care routine that nurtures your whole self.
Bringing Balance To Your Life
To truly feel balanced and fulfilled, it’s important to care for yourself holistically.
Taking care of yourself in all these different ways—whether it’s through emotional, physical, social, or spiritual self care—brings a sense of balance that can truly change your life.
Each of the 8 types of self care is a way to support your well-being and keep you grounded.
By focusing on these different types of self care, you can create a self care routine that supports every aspect of your well-being.
Whether you’re starting small or diving deep, remember that every act of self care is a step toward a more balanced, healthier you.
And one final reminder: don’t forget that self care is an ongoing journey, and you absolutely deserve to prioritize yourself along the way!
In this post we explored the 8 different types of self care—emotional, physical, mental, social, spiritual, practical, environmental, and financial. By understanding each of these areas, you can begin to craft a self care routine that supports your entire well-being, not just parts of it.
You may also like:
- 10 Quick Self Care Activities That Will Boost Your Productivity
- OUT NOW: The 10 Days of Self Care Handbook
- The 6 Steps To A Blissful Self Care Night Routine (2024)
Which type of self care will you focus on today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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