This site contains affiliate links, meaning if you sign up or make a purchase through any one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here. Thank you for your support!

So far, the year 2020 has taught me that self-care plays a major role in the human journey. The importance of self-care is something we can all improve, learn, and benefit from. It kind of sucks that in this go-go world, self-care can sometimes be overlooked. 

When searching up the meaning of self-care, it is described as an activity we do in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

If someone thinks you’re being pretty selfish for putting yourself first or taking care of yourself above certain people or things, please remember that you have to take care of you to survive because you only live once, and that type of thinking is their problem, not yours. Also, at the end of every day, you are the only one that has to go to bed with your thoughts and process what is going on with you in your mind.

*I am not a doctor, life coach, or healthcare professional. My blog posts are just my opinions and the results of things that either worked for me or didn’t. I am just passionate about sharing my experiences and providing tips on self-care and personal development. 

What is Self-Care?

Because the topic of self-care can be looked at from so many different angles, the definition of self-care can also mean different things to certain individuals. 

Google dictionary defines self-care as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health or the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. 

What we can grasp from this definition is that to practice self-care, we must be active in protecting our wellbeing and happiness at all costs. This protection also extends to our individual minds, bodies, and souls.  

Different Types of Self-Care

Although there are 8 main types of self-care: physical, psychological, emotional, social, professional, environmental, spiritual, and financial; we will be focusing on the core three types of self-care that play foundational roles to all the other self-care types. 

The three core self-care types are Psychological/Mental (Mind), Physical (Body), and Emotional (Soul). 

Without delay, let’s discuss!

Mental Self-Care (Mind)

It’s actually mind-blowing (no pun intended lol) to think that there are so many different components to self-care but something about these three types brings a sense of self to the humanness that we find ourselves in. 

Mental self-care is about finding activities that help you declutter your mind, be creative, limit stress, and learn new things.

If it costs you your peace (of mind), it’s too expensive – unknown

Mental Self-Care Practice:

• Read a book 
• Take an art class
• Learn to blog
• Listen to soothing music
• Play an instrument
• Meditate
• Talk to a loved one that makes you happy
• Eat healthily
• Volunteer
• Digital detox (no technology)
• Write your thoughts down in a Journal

Physical Self-Care (Body)

The body is the soul’s home. Simple as that. And because of this, we have the opportunity to make sure that the inside of the home is as nice and well-groomed as the outside.

 As they say — the body is a temple. This is what shows to the physical world, so we have to take good care of it. How we treat the body also determines how it will look in the future. 

Physical self-care involves being active, moving the body, getting enough sleep, eating well, physical touch, and allowing yourself to moderately take breaks from physical activities when needed. 

Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live. – Jim Rohn

Physical Self-Care Practice:

• Avoid drugs & alcohol
• Practice good hygiene (brush yo teeth & take baths)
• Exercise regularly (yoga, cardio, gym)
• Go for a walk or ride a bike
• Take a dance class 
• Hug someone (ask first though lol)
• Moisturize your body with some lotion
• Clean your room or the house
• Play sports (volleyball, basketball, soccer)
• Get regular checkups (vision, dental, health)
• Don’t forget to drink some water!

Emotional Self-Care (Soul)

I don’t know if it’s because I’m a water sign or what, but I love talking about emotions. Emotions are such a powerful tool when used right. 

On the other hand, it can be very draining when you have someone that won’t stop crying at every scene in a film, especially when the happy parts begin. Uggh, like why?! Well, I promise I’m not that kind of emotional. 

Emotional self-care involves enhancing your emotional well-being, increasing empathy, being aware of how you treat others, and most importantly — yourself. Other emotional cares include feeling compassion, being able to manage your feelings responsibly, and caring for your emotional needs.

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart – Helen Keller

Emotional Self-Care Practice:

• Saying no! and not feeling bad about it
• Watch a game show or a singing competition (Minute to Win It, The Voice, XFactor)
• Write your feelings in a journal/letter so you can identify what/why you feel that way
• Be positive & repeat positive affirmations (I am beautiful, I am loved, I am a boss)
• Define new goals & check them off when they are complete
• Do something that makes you feel happy
• Create a Pinterest Board filled with inspirational quotes
• Do some adult coloring to relieve fear, anxiety, and stress
• Avoid toxic arguments/people
• Try deep breathing exercises & mindfulness activities
• Talk to a therapist about your feelings

Pin For Later!

Well, there you have it, ladies and gents! 

That’s all I got on self-care tips for the mind, body, and soul.  

Another cool thing to implement in your weekly routine would be to pick a single day out of the week, (possibly #SelfcareSundays) and try these ideas out. You can even focus on one self-care type that focuses on a specific element of the self or mix them up if you wish. That way you can see which ones aide in helping you develop yourself better and which ones you can do without. 

What are some other self-care ideas specifically for the mind, body, and soul that you can think of?

Let me know down in the comments below.