Something off about your self-care routine? Can’t seem to put your finger on it? Paying attention to the subtle shifts in your energy can indicate when your proverbial cup is full OR empty. When we feel fully energized, we are at our best. But it’s not quite the same when we’re on empty. And being in a state of deficit can take a toll on our mind, body, and spirit.
Would you drive your car on an empty tank? Probably not because empty indicates a need to refuel. Do away with the practice of running on empty. Like a vehicle, we weren’t meant to be driven on an empty tank, nor should we attempt to.
Consider examining how you go about dealing with life’s stressors. Without judgment, how would you describe the coping strategies you use when stressed? Below are a few examples.
- Meditation
- Nail-biting
- Yelling
- Pacing
- Substance use
- Shopping
- Skipping meals
- Listening to music
- Journaling
- Working extra hours
- Exercising
- Engaging in sensual pleasures
- Withdrawing from family and friends
You’ll often find that the coping strategies intended to refuel us temporarily distract us, and we soon find ourselves in the same place we started, low on energy (fuel) or burnt out. This usually happens because multiple areas of our being need tending to. And a holistic approach is required. Consider curating a self-care routine that pours into your mind, body, and spirit.
What might that look like? Consider these seven domains.
- Psychological (counseling, unplugging, journaling…)
- Financial (budget/financial planning…)
- Social (family/friends, partner/spouse…)
- Professional (work-life balance, time management…)
- Spiritual (meditation, connecting to your higher power…)
- Emotional (self-awareness, boundary setting, acceptance…)
- Physical (sleep, meals, medical check-ups…)
Use the list above to help you prioritize your self-care needs. As our energy ebbs and flows, so too should our approach to maintaining the balance needed to refuel week after week.
