Self-care isn’t just taking a vacation or going to the spa; it is surrounding yourself with the right people, holding yourself accountable, learning how to forgive yourself for past mistakes, and so on.
Self-care has 8 dimensions that include:
- Physical
- Intellectual
- Spiritual
- Social
- Financial
- Emotional
- Occupational
- Environmental
By integrating these dimensions into your life, you can map out a more straightforward path toward a happier you.
Here, we only delve into the main dimensions of wellness that shape our life the most: financial, spiritual, and social.
The Financial Dimension of Self-Care
Financial self-care involves being attentive to your resources and funds. It deals with how well you manage your finances, whether this includes creating realistic budgets for yourself, or learning how to live within them.
Money management skills don’t seem like self-care, do they? But having adequate financial skills will ensure your immediate and long-term needs are fulfilled. They also make sure you meet your financial obligations dutifully and reach your financial goals.
The financial dimension of self-care also deals with making informed investments and planning for emergencies in advance.
This reduces stress and provides you with a sense of security and stability.
It’s important to note that financial wellness isn’t about money; it’s about building skills and taking actions that can make your life financially secure.
The Social Dimension of Self-Care
We are social animals. We thrive best with people around us. That is why we must surround ourselves with people who are right for us, form positive relationships, and make contributions to society as much as we can.
To be socially healthy and well, we need to be kind, generous, and sensitive to others. We must be tolerant of their differences and work to create safe, supportive, positive, and inclusive relationships that benefit them and ourselves.
When we connect with others on a deep level, form lasting friendships, and have healthy relationships, we feel a belonging and affinity with others, which helps us become our best selves.
The Spiritual Dimension of Self-Care
Spirituality is not synonymous with religiousness. It’s about seeking inspiration, searching for a deeper purpose, finding the meaning of life, and living life with the purest of intentions. It is also a very personal pursuit where your own beliefs and values come into play. It can include prayers, religion, and belief in God, rituals, or traditions. Whatever brings you peace, counts.
Some seek religious practices, others opt for yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. Some find meaning in connecting with nature and others find spiritual self-care through compassion, self-reflection, and introspection.
Whatever the path we take, this form of self-care helps us distinguish right from wrong. It deepens our inner strength and helps us find contentment in life with whatever we have.
Self-care is the biggest act of self-love. Practice kindness and compassion toward yourself so you can give it to others. Grab your copy of Jennifer Jennings’ new book, The Happiness Guide: 7 Steps to Contentment today, and learn how happiness has always been within you.