When self-care [1] comes to mind, many of us may associate the practice with baths, naps, and yoga. And while those are definitely a few ways to address your needs, self-care encompasses far more than that. In fact, according to the self-care wheel created by trauma prevention expert Olga Phoenix [2], self-care includes six parts that are vital to managing stress and achieving happiness and life satisfaction.
"I originally designed the self-care wheel for me, personally, as a tool to get to that seemingly unattainable place of life balance, meaning, and contentment," Olga told POPSUGAR. "It is an empowering, affirming, and positive tool, comprised of six dimensions: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional. Each dimension represents a part of our lives which requires our daily attention."
Effectively practicing self-care [3] requires making sure the needs of each of the wheel's dimensions are met with meaning, and evaluating which areas still need improvement. Check out a breakdown along with examples of how you can work on your mind, body, spirit, and beyond. And keep scrolling to see the wheel in full!
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Physical
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Unplug
- Eat healthy
- Be sexual
- Get regular medical checkups
Psychological
- Go to therapy
- Journal
- Self-reflect
- Relax
- Ask for help
- Do something creative
Emotional
- Laugh
- Find a hobby
- Practice self-love
- Cry
- Forgive
- Cuddle with your pet
Spiritual
- Spend time outdoors
- Meditate
- Volunteer
- Practice yoga
- Pray
- Get inspired
Personal
- Create a vision board
- Get out of debt
- Establish goals
- Spend time with loved ones
- Learn who you are
- Cook
Professional
- Leave work at work
- Take vacation, sick, and mental health days
- Plan your next career move
- Take lunches
- Avoid working during days off
- Learn to say no
Image Source: Olga Phoenix