Psychological Self-Care is about looking after your entire wellbeing.

True Psychological self-care is about making conscious choices that support both your mental and physical health.

It’s less about fleeting moments of indulgence and more about your own self sustainability – think creating a habit that is actually achievable (so not moving a goal post to an unreasonable level) setting healthy and fair boundaries, and shifting your mindset – anything that makes you or helps you to feel grounded and to build upon resilience.

What Psychological Self-Care really means.

We often think of the term self-care is the act of adding something in, like a visit to a day-spa, a massage, hair appointment, sneaky coffee at your fav cafe or that eggs benny you have been craving at Diggies on North Beach. These are truly wonderful practices, but real psychological self-care also asks us to notice what’s weighing on us and weighing us down… it’s about letting go of those unrealistic expectations, stepping back from toxic environments or releasing the everyday pressure to feel always switched “on”.

For many in this current economy, the simple pleasures that release endorphins and perhaps fill their cup or are their go-to for self-care are not achievable due to  financial constraints.

With this in mind, self-care is simply not a one-size-fits-all approach, and cannot be broken down in to a checklist. It is a process of tuning in, identifying what your mind, body and soul needs, and acting with kindness towards yourself.

Practical ways to reframe Self-Care

• Check in with your energy levels: Notice when you feel more drained or more energised and adjust your commitments where humanly possible.
• Set more healthy boundaries (and this is perhaps not an overnight strategy but a stepping stone to an end goal) 
• Remember that protecting your time, space and peace is an ultimate act of self-care.
• Prioritise connection: supportive relationships and building your own circle (no matter the size) is vital for positive shifts in your mental health. Make time for the right people for you, and your needs.
• Try to let go of perfectionism: sometimes good-enough is great. 
• Balance your body and mind: Whether this means nourishing food, comfort food, a special treat, getting in the extra water to stay mindfully hydrated and going for that short walk along the blue mile and breathing in some amazing fresh sea air.

Why it matters

The reality is that when Psychological Self-Care becomes a regular part of your daily life, you’re going to stop just surviving the week – and thriving. With the bonus that you’re building resilience for any of life’s challenges ahead. 

The goal is to help to prevent burnout, reduce stress and allow you to show up fully for yourself and the people around you – that you care about.