Value-Based Self-Care: What it is and Why you need it
In my previous journal article, I wrote about what self-care is (and isn’t) and the benefits of engaging in both reactive self-care (in response to emotional and physical exhaustion) and proactive self-care (a consistent practice every day of your life, regardless of your current mood state). I also shared the top five health benefits of a regular and consistent self-care practice. You can read more about this here: Self-Care Matters Because You Matter
I ended this article by highlighting the importance of getting clear on the specific benefits self-care can bring into your life; a subject I want to delve deeper into here.
So WHY is self-care important to YOU?
Pause for a moment and really consider this question …. What motivates your desire to take better care of yourself?
Is it because you want to show up and be more present with your children or partner?
Is it because you’re over feeling tired and exhausted all the time?
Is it because all you seem to do is give, give, give, without much opportunity to refuel?
Is it because you’re too exhausted to fully connect with your partner?
Is it because you are struggling to keep up with work?
Is it because you feel disconnected from your friends?
Is it because you feel completely physically and emotionally drained and you realise things can’t go on like this?
Is it because you can’t remember the last time you put your needs first?
Is it because deep down you believe you deserve more care and kindness?
To fully commit to a regular practice of self-care, you need to be clear on your why. Why does it matter to you? How exactly will it better your life? If you’re not clear on the benefits you’ll derive from the effort, time and, potentially, money you invest in self-care, you’ll find it hard to make your self-care habits stick.
3 STEPS TO MEANINGFUL, VALUE-BASED, SELF-CARE
Value-based self-care is what it says it is; self-care based on your values. There’s an abundance of data which shows that out emotional health is optimum when the actions we choose to exert our time and energy on are aligned with our values.
Try this simple three-step process to help you identify the self-care practices which are most aligned with your values.
01 | identify your core values
These are your deepest desires or the beliefs you hold about how you want to live and behave as a human. Your values are like a compass: a reliable tool that can inform and guide you in figuring out which direction you want your life to head in. Reflect upon the areas in your life which, above all else, matter most. If you want some guidance doing this, read this post I wrote previously, which guides you through a simple exercise to help you identify your values.
02 | REFLECT ON CURRENT ACTIONS
Reflect, honestly, on whether you feel you are currently living your life in line with these values. If you value connection, how are your relationships? If you value health, are you nurturing your mind and body the best way possible? If you value creativity, are your current weekly behaviours aligning with that desire?
03 | INTEGRATE VALUE-ALIGNED ACTIONS
Now consider what simple acts of self-care you could integrate into your schedule to help you live a life which is more aligned with the things you value the most. For example, staying off your phone more so you can be more connected and present with your partner or children. Or switching up your bedtime routine to improve sleep, and thereby enhance your physical and emotional health. Or investing in that DIY knitting kit you’ve been considering, to tap into your passion for creativity once the kids are in bed.
SO… WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Your why is your values. If chosen wisely, self-care practices will help you live a more meaningful life, one that’s more aligned with your values. If you find your self-care habits slipping, come back to your why. Re-visit your values and remind yourself why you have chosen to commit to your self-care practice. Remind yourself of the specific benefits self-care brings into your life, and the life of your loved ones.
I believe that self-care has never been more important than it is right now. At the time of writing this, the global pandemic remains at the forefront of the news, our lives and our minds. It is vital that we prioritise honouring and supporting ourselves and our health. In doing so, we not only enable ourselves to show up more fully and cope better through such uncertain times, but it also allows us to have a healthier capacity to support our partners, children, parents, friends and colleagues.
WANT MORE SELF-CARE TIPS?
If you found this useful, you may also like to read:
Five Common Myths About Self-Care (& realistic reframes you can use when they show up and try to sabotage your self-care practice!)
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