Have you found yourself doing all the self-care activities, but still seem drowned by the unrelenting pace of life? You may be missing out on essential components of real self-care. To experience lasting rejuvenation we need to nurture the whole self: body, mind, soul, and spirit. These dimensions are often lumped together in self-care, but each aspect carries nuanced meanings and require different activities of care to be effective.

Defining Dimensions of Care

Let’s dive into what each one means, along with how to care for each aspect in order to find a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Self-Care: Nurturing Our Physical Beings

Self-care encompasses daily rituals and practices that sustain and replenish our physical and mental health. These activities are essential to keep our body and mind healthy. Some of these activities may not be glamorous. But noting that they are self-care rather than just tasks on a to-do list may help you to see these in a new light and appreciate them as activities of care.

Examples of Self-Care Activities:

• Daily hygiene: brush your teeth, floss, wash your face, etc
• Mindfully eat delicious and healthy food
• Take your vitamins
  Have a set morning routine
• Get adequate sleep
• Digital detox for one hour before going to bed
• Get daily physical exercise
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
• Clean or declutter your house or office space
• Have an at-home spa afternoon
• Trade massages with a friend or loved one

To learn how Self-Care relates to Self-Discipline, check out my blog featured on YouAligned, another yoga resource I write for regularly. Following this link will take you off-site.

Soul-Care: Nurturing The Essence Within

Soul-Care moves beyond the physical and addresses the emotional, creative, and relational facets of our being. These activities nourish our inner self, bring a sense of fulfillment, and help us to connect with our emotions and feelings. Soul-care involves activities that bring joy, purpose, and emotional balance to your life.

Examples of Soul-Care Activities:

• Creative expressions like painting, art, writing, crafting, or playing a musical instrument
• Have meaningful conversations with loved ones
• Spend time in nature
• Read a good book
• Hug a loved one – several times a day
• Laugh out loud – even if it’s just at funny animal videos online
• Journal
• Practice or cultivate a habit of gratitude
• Call or spend time with a friend
• Play with your pets or volunteer at a local shelter
• Learn something new

Spirit-Care: Nurturing Our Relationship With God

Spirit care focuses on the spiritual aspect of our well-being. It provides a sense of meaning and direction and fosters deep inner peace. Spirit-care activities deepen our connection to God and communion with the Holy Spirit.

Examples of Spirit-Care Activities:

• Participate in worship and praise
• Get involved in a church or small group
• Spend time in prayer
• Read and meditate on scripture
• Surrender to God’s will as a form of spiritual alignment
• Engage in acts of kindness and service to others
• Fast or partake in other spiritual disciplines
• Embrace moments of silence

While these three forms of care are distinct, they are also interconnected. Taking care of your physical and mental health can lead to a deeper connection with your soul and spirit. Likewise, nurturing your spirit can help to improve your overall well-being. Taking time for all three provides a framework for nurturing the whole self.

Identify Care That Works For You

No standard or ultimate list of care activities will work for everyone. To help you come up with a personal care routine that nourishes your unique needs, take some time to answer these questions. Then plan activities around each to get the nourishment you need.

• What activities leave me feeling recharged and full of life?
• What physical activities help me feel most connected to my body?
• What am I doing or who am I with when I feel the most loved?
• When and where do I get to share my love and care for others?
• What activity makes my soul feel alive?
• When am I most in tune with my spirit?
• When does my prayer life feel most alive?
• What acts of worship bring me closest to God?
• What makes me laugh out loud?
• What practices help me hear clearly from God?
• What hobbies or interests have I neglected lately that I enjoy?
• What 5-10 minute activity brings me joy or satisfaction?
• What activities inspire me?
• What activities help me feel more fulfilled and give me purpose?

Making a regular habit of care pays off immediately and supports long-term wellness, satisfaction with life, and spiritual growth. In the short term, you’ll notice a direct effect on your energy and optimism, stress levels, and productivity, and you’ll feel better prepared to tackle your day or week. After establishing a habit of care, you’ll find that you have more endurance, improved health and overall well-being, and fostered a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

All aspects of our being are intricately connected to our relationship with God. Taking time for self-care, soul-care, and spirit-care will create a well-rounded and God-honoring foundation for navigating the joys and challenges of life with faith, resilience, and grace.