Self-care, you hear that term all the time. It sounds like you need a spa day to get yourself back on track. However, I think self-care implies much more than a Mani/Pedi. Although, a Mani/Pedi is always lovely.
I’ve discovered that self-care means emotional, physical, and spiritual self-care. I’m not just talking about superficial stuff either.
Recent events in my life forced me to stop and reflect on how to better care for myself. Reading about self-care on Pinterest and blogs only gave me info that wasn’t really what I wanted.
The self-care I’m looking for is more like soul self-care.
You know your core needs nourishment beyond the physical mani/pedi or massage. Sure these things feel good for the moment and allow you to take physical time for yourself but do they add any real soul nourishment and betterment?
That is what I was looking for, and some people out there see it to be more spiritual and internal self-care, too but are far and few between. So in looking for what I needed, I realized this could help you find something more you’re looking for.
This list is what I have found self-care to mean. You may have specific things that you enjoy and bring you spiritual fulfillment. Everyone is different. Find what works for you.
What Does Self-Care for the Soul Look Like?
- Self-care is getting down to the root cause of your unhappiness, anxiety, or any other unresolved feelings you may have.
2. Self-care means figuring out who you are at this point in your life. Are you still living to impress others, or are you embracing who you are and honoring your highest self?
3. Self-care is defining your relationship(s) and speaking your wants and desires, and not allowing others to take that away from you.
4. Self-care is developing your spirituality and making it your own. Find what resonates with you and where you are in your spiritual journey, not someone else’s. Take the time to discover your spirituality and what that looks like for you. It’s different for everyone.
5. Self-care is reconnecting with yourself on a deeper level. Going within with meditation, grounding yourself, and being present. Being in nature is a great grounding exercise.
6. Self-care is releasing stored or trapped energy from your being. Releasing old, negative energy and allowing yourself to feel lighter. It’s also developing the ability to decipher when you carry this heavy energy and/or if it belongs to others. Learn about the Emotion Code.
7. Self-care removes toxic people from your life or limits their interactions. Please don’t allow them to drain your life force.
8. Self-care is knowing when to take a break and having time to yourself before burning yourself completely out.
9. Self-care is taking care of the only body you have. Nourish your body by eating healthy foods, giving it the attention and ability to be the best it can be to carry you throughout your life.
10. Self-care is taking time to read spiritual books. Feeding your soul with warm words that allow you to grow on your journey. These spiritual books will transform you.
11. Self-care is self-reflection. Take time to check in with yourself and reflect on yourself, your life, and where you are and want to go.
Self-care can also mean all the other things like getting your nails done, hair colored and cut, shopping, or getting a facial, etc.
These types of self-care rituals don’t always allow you to really be present and truly take care of yourself for long-term results.
Especially if you’re on your phone scrolling the whole time, I only say this because I was recently at a hair salon and, as I looked around, noticed every person there was scrolling on their phones. Everyone was scrolling while sitting under the heat, dryer, or having hair washed or cut. I’m talking about at least 15 different people during my time there.
It allowed me to see how disconnected we and I’ve become, even when you’re supposedly taking time for yourself or having self-care time. I utilized my time in the washing station to close my eyes, say my “I am” affirmations, and meditate.
I did take out my phone and use it to write these couple of paragraphs as it hit me in the processing station, but other than that, I put it away. After all, I was there for 3 hours. Plenty of time to look around and see what I needed to see in myself and reflect on what self-care means.
These external things make you feel good and happy for a few minutes or hours, but then it fades. True self-care will stay with you and bring you a sense of peace internally. I hope you find what you need for self-care to be healing and bring you spiritual nourishment.
Take care of your highest self and be well.
