Everyone juggles multiple roles, from the hat one puts on in professional settings to the ones we put on with friends versus family, etc. These roles can add fulfillment and connection to our lives. While these are essential, the relationship with oneself is equally as important, if not more salient. This article will discuss self-care and self-gratitude.
What is self-care? Self-care is providing reasonable attention to our own well-being. There are eight dimensions of wellness, namely emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial. The more of these one engages in, the more enhanced their development tends to be. Physical wellness could look like moving your body in a way you find enjoyable, such as taking a dance class or getting 6 to 9 hours of sleep. Emotional wellness can look like going to therapy or setting a boundary with a loved one. Occupational wellness includes keeping lunch hours protected and leaving work at the end time, etc. Contrary to what is displayed on social media, self-care does not have to look like spending large sums of money or engaging in substance misuse.
What is self-gratitude? It is expressing appreciation for yourself and the positive contributions you make to your well-being. Practicing gratitude is known to improve one’s mental and emotional well-being. In the context of self and the year ending, it could entail reflecting and highlighting the actions and decisions you’ve made that have improved your life over the year. For example, trying therapy for the first time, exercising here and there, or reducing frequency/amounts of alcohol, etc. The topic of gratitude tends to focus on other people, and it is equally valuable to give yourself credit for your wins despite shortcomings. Self-gratitude is vital because it highlights your strengths, promotes self-efficacy, and motivates you to accomplish goals.
Self-care and self-gratitude are essential, especially at this time of the year. Practicing it can look like writing down traits about yourself you are grateful for. Or giving yourself permission to rest, especially when you feel depleted. For more information, consider booking a session with a therapist at Capital Counseling by calling 5184626531.
By, Chioma Ofodile, EAP Intern