Tying Self-Care Practices to Your Values
I know I have been raving about self-care for the past few weeks, but these worldly struggles are real. We now know what self-care is and why it’s vital in our lives as educators. I hope you’ve found time to understand your personality and values. And also came up with a daily routine that’s in line with your lifestyle.
I’ve got BIG expectations for you. Yes, YOU!
Suppose you haven’t figured out that routine yet? Chop-chop! We’ll wait for you.
Insert Jeopardy Music here!
Now that we are on the same page, let’s talk about the different self-care examples and relating them to your values. Most of us would consider self-care a pipe dream. Sure, we’d love to incorporate it into our routine, but where is the time for that?
We assume only wealthy, pampered women and men can indulge in self-care. Not busy teachers like us. Well, today, we are banishing this appalling myth.
Self-care isn’t for the privileged. It’s for the person, EVERY person! We already saw that self-care isn’t about massage, hot bubble baths, or spa days...but those are great ways to treat yourself.
Think about it…
How many times have you agreed to attend a party that you really didn’t want to?
How many times have you done a favor when you had zero energy to dish out?
How many times have you participated in conversations you were not interested in?
How many times have you scrolled through Facebook and wished you spent your time doing something else?
And I can go on. And on. And on.
What is it that you value in life?
Truth, friendship, fulfillment, loyalty, personal growth, spirituality, altruism?
Are you engaging in activities that feed your values?
The world won’t stop rotating if you said “no” to something you don’t like or that didn’t align with your values. Someone might feel disappointed for a minute, but they’ll know your boundary. In fact, if they’re EQ is high, they’ll even appreciate that you set a boundary. It’s the way to respect your values and feelings, which will ultimately lead you to happiness.
Six examples of self-care activities
I’ve created a list of six self-care areas that you can regularly engage in to have a well-rounded self-care routine. Don’t yell at me - I started with 10 and brought it down to six! I know it’s challenging to hit all these areas at once. I get it. If you’re an educator like me, taking care of tiny humans and everything else in life takes so much of your time. I’m right there with you.
However, do your best to pay attention to your mental, physical, and emotional wellness. Not sure how to include routines in your busy life? Check out how you can create self-care routines in your workday.
Let’s get to it! #holisticliving.
P.S. As we go through these, think about how they could align to your values.
1. Mental Wellness
It affects how we feel, act, and think. Mental wellness addresses our thoughts and helps us manage stress. We can’t keep track of our values, or anything else in our lives, when our mental health isn’t well.
Examples of activities
Use positive affirmations. Check out “Mirror Work.” My favorite mirror work affirmation…”Girl, you look strong.”
Meditate. Start with 1 minute a day and work your way up to 10. This one is SO important as it gives your thinking brain a rest…..something we need more than ever, right now.
Unfollow people on social media (this one is important). If it doesn’t or they don’t spark joy and bring you energy, then goodbyeeee!
Eat foods that boost your mental health. You don’t even have to Google it. We’ve got your shopping list ready to go.
Practice mindfulness. For example, cook your food, smell it, touch it, really taste it. Just slow down and appreciate it.
2. Physical Wellness
I can’t speak self-care without talking about how you can physically take care of your body. Are you keeping fit? Eating well? Observing proper hygiene? We all need our bodies in top conditions to run around tiny energetic humans. So, don’t be ashamed of seeking professional help, when needed.
Examples of activities
Drink lots of water. Half your body weight in ounces every day!
Eat a balanced diet, especially natural foods without chemicals and pesticides.
Exercise regularly. Aim for 20 minutes 4-5 days a week, but start small...maybe 3 minutes a day?
Go for regular checkups. This doesn’t need to be to your PCP, either. I go to an acupuncturist, and she’s the bomb! Why? Because she and her practice aligns to MY value set.
3. Intellectual Wellness
Are you interested in expanding your knowledge or skills? Do you value engaging in mentally stimulating or creative activities? As educators, we should also prioritize personal growth. Lifetime learners are happier, confident, and have better cognitive functioning.
Examples of activities
Read a book. Fiction or nonfiction, just take in new words.
Actively engage in a hobby. I’ve been propagating plants!
Listen to a podcast. Ideas: JAY SHETTY or Brene Brown or Dean Graziosi.
Take a class or short courses. I’m currently learning about investing, psychology behind marketing, and how to Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is a struggle, but it aligns to my humor and light-heartedness value, and I’m still having fun!
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4. Emotional Wellness
We’ve already gone through how to help kiddos cope and regulate emotions. For ourselves, it is an area we tend to overlook or bury deep inside to deal with later. Managing stress and dealing with different emotions are vital elements in our lives as teachers. We show up for our kiddos from a place of scarcity when we are depleted and feeling so down. Our kids are smart, and they’ll pick up on that. Irrespective of our busy schedules, let’s create time for emotional wellness.
Examples of activities
Set clear and firm boundaries. SO HARD TO DO! This is a process. Give yourself grace.
Journal and practice gratitude. GG Renee Hill...that’s all I’ll say.
Establish your emotional triggers, and write them down. Then, consider the opposite belief and what it would feel like to respond to that belief. Finally, adopt the new belief.
Take note of your self-talk habits. Maybe physically take notes and reflect on your progress. Find an accountability partner, too!
Have some fun!!!
5. Social Wellness
Well, no man is an island. Having meaningful relationships is all part of self-care. We all need a support network of people we can count on when the going gets tough. It’s truly a gift I can never take for granted. So, high fives and fist bumps to all my special people. I call them “my tribe”.
Example of activities
Limit interactions with negative and toxic people. #boundaries
Connect with your family, and be present during that time of connection.
Take time to nurture your friendships and ask deeper questions. Google 36 Questions to Fall in Love for WONDERFUL examples. The questions aren’t tied to falling in love, just used for a study about the matter.
Have a girls night out (trust me, it helps). While out, focus on the positives in life. Share gratitudes.
6. Spiritual Wellness
It’s a very personal self-care dimension that helps further define your core values and find fulfillment. This set of values and beliefs guides your actions as they give you a sense of purpose. Nurturing our spiritual wellness helps us to find meaning in our lives.
Have daily quiet time. I start with 20 minute EVERY SINGLE MORNING. It’s honestly been a life-changer.
Practicing yoga or at least stretching. No excuses as there are a bazillion options online fo’ FREE!
Listening to music or reading books on mindset, spirituality, and introspection. The Alchemist is a great place to start.
Set goals and objectives …… then track them. Happy to share my process as I have it down to a science in Google Sheets.
Take some time, think about these areas and where you fall short. See how you can incorporate the areas that need more attention into your daily routine. Keep values in mind when making these changes.
I always start slow and realistic. Add one or two things to your routine at a time, and then give yourself time (66 days) to make it a habit. Rome wasn’t built in a day, friends. Also, as teachers, we run a tight ship. No need to overwhelm yourself with everything at the first go around.
You in?
Let me know in the comments below what you’re going to change first!
And, if you find yourself stressed trying to figure out where to start, reach out to me. This area is one of my greatest passions!
Questions? Need help? Reach out!
Email: hello@thebehaviorhub.com
Social media: @thebehaviorhub
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