8 Types of Self-Care to Remember As You Pursue Your Calling

bethmwalker.com

How can you take better care of yourself and pursue your calling?

First, let’s  define calling

This word calling means different things to different people. To make sure we’re on the same page, let’s define calling as the non-negotiable thing placed in you by God to glorify him. We begin to understand our calling by understanding and discovering the gifts given to us by God.

When pursuing your calling, it can be hard to find time to add in activities. And, the energy and excitement in this new endeavor can cause us to compromise time or boundaries.

But, if we don’t establish healthy  self-care routines and rest, we can quickly get burned out and not have the energy to pursue our calling.

Self-care is not just taking a bubble bath or a long walk. or sleeping in.

Self-care is actually eight areas of our life

What Self-Care  is Not

Physical self-care is defined as the movement of the body, health, nutrition, sleep and resting needs. Examples: Exercise, take a bath, work in the garden, get enough sleep (7-9 hours per night), eat nutrient-dense foods

1: Physical

Psychological self-care incorporates learning new things, and practicing mindfulness and creativity. Examples: Practice mindfulness, reading a book, learning a new skill, work on a craft, do a digital detox

2: Psychological

3: Emotional

 Emotional self-care includes enhancing emotional literacy, navigating emotions, increasing empathy, and managing stress effectively.

Examples: Establishing healthy boundaries, saying no without guilt, making time for reflecting on feelings, practicing self-compassion, being aware of your emotional boundaries

When someone practices social self-care they have a supportive group and network of relationships around them that they can trust and rely on. Examples: Honoring commitments to other people, asking for help when you need it, 

 4: Social

People who practice professional self-care share their strengths and gifts, have clear professional boundaries, and live their purpose.  Examples: Eat a nourishing lunch each day at work, negotiate your work needs, have clear professional boundaries, attend professional developing opportunities

 5: Professional

Having an organized, well-maintained, and clutter-free work, business, and home environment, having clean clothes and a clean and well-maintained mode of transport.

6: Environmental

Spiritual self-care incorporates having beliefs and values that are important to you and guide your life.

7: Spiritual Self-care

8: Financial  Self-Care

Financial self-care means being responsible with your finances and having a conscious relationship with money.

Where to Start?

These eight areas of self-care may seem lengthy and overwhelming but just one or two that stand out. Set aside an hour to implement self-care in these areas without adding stress.

Remember, shifting self-care priorities can be difficult. Ask for help and create the space and energy to pursue your calling and thrive in your sweet spot!