You are only given one body in this life. Unfortunately, the times that we usually remember to take care of our body is when it is injured, hurt or in pain. Our bodies endure more than just the physical daily aspects of life. Our bodies absorb our stress from the emotional and psychological aspects of our lives as well. What would it be like if we made time to make taking care of our bodies, our physical health a priority?  You may be breaking out into a cold sweat, perhaps you are worried that I am going to tell you that you need to lose weight or increase the intensity of your workouts? Breathe easy, I am not going to say any of that.

Physical Self-care are activities that help you stay fit and healthy, generating enough energy to help you get through your work and personal commitments. When I say fit and healthy I mean what makes sense for you to help you be able to accomplish your obligations. The chart below is a list of examples of ways to practice emotional self-care. It’s broken down into two categories:

The next chart has a list of examples of the various activities to help with physical self-care. In looking at this list, notice if anything sounds intriguing to you.

When choosing a self-care activity to incorporate into daily life, its best to start small. Choose one thing on this list and start off by doing it once a week. If that is enough for you great, keep it there. If you find you may need more perhaps your physical self-care activity needs to happen each day or once a week. Whatever you choose and whenever you choose to do it, your self-care activity should be something that replenishes you, so you are able to get back to your daily functioning and responsibilities.

I know you just read through this whole article. Your brain may be throbbing right now. So here are the main take aways:

• Our bodies endure more than just the physical daily aspects of life. Our bodies absorb our stress from the emotional and psychological aspects of our lives as well.
• The definition of physical self-care is activities that help you stay fit and healthy, generating enough energy to help you get through your work and personal commitments.
• When choosing a self-care activity to incorporate into daily life, its best to start small.
• Your self-care activity should be something that replenishes you, so you are able to get back to your daily functioning and responsibilities

I appreciate you taking the time to read this post, as I’m just trying to offer a few words of wisdom in a complex world. I hope you found it helpful or maybe you are already doing all of what I suggested, and it just feels good to feel affirmed. Life is hard and I am here to help. I offer individual therapy services to help you in your journey. If you would like to set up a time to chat my contact information is below.

Jennifer Bailey, LCSW & RDT

Email: jbaileytherapyservices@gmail.com

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