The 5 Dimensions of Self-Care
The Importance of Self Care
It’s everywhere! It seems like every brand, influencer, and blog talks about the importance of self-care routines. We’ve even talked about it before on this journal.
There are an infinite number of ways to practice self-care on a regular basis and from someone considering establishing this habit, this might feel ironically overwhelming. So, we did a little research so we can simplify things by splitting self-care into five different dimensions.
The goal: to completely nourish every aspect of your life.
1. Physical (Hair-Care fits in this one!)
This not only involves exercising but everything from eating habits, movement, safety, sexuality, hygiene, and rest. It’s everything that supports your physical health.
2. Intellectual
This kind of self-care involves knowledge growth. It involves continuously pursuing learning and education, recognizing creative abilities, and developing new skills and hobbies.
3. Social
Do you have a supportive network of people? From the Maslow Pyramid of Needs, social acceptance and sense of belonging are one of the most important things for human beings.
This one is related to creating lasting connections with people you admire and feel good around, to develop a sense of belonging and a support system. It also involves cutting off people that might not be good for you.
4. Spiritual
This one involves the beliefs and values that guide your day-to-day life and your future. You can explore it through meditation, being around nature, practicing yoga, journaling, or anything that helps you establish inner peace. This dimension is important because it helps you find a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
5. Emotional
Emotional self-care is awareness. It’s being in tune with everything that plays with our emotions. Explore how you feel and understand the reasons behind it. Good ways to be in touch with your emotional side are therapy, practicing gratitude, and expressing yourself through art.
Now what? Review the 5 dimensions and do an honest self-evaluation. Which of them needs more attention right now? Which ones have you completely mastered? How do they all apply to YOU?
Keep in mind that these cornerstones do not stand alone; each boosts the other and they work in harmony to improve your life and the lives of those around you. Treat all of these foundations for wellbeing with respect and give each the importance it deserves.
Remember, we are all different and so different things will work for different people.