This 4-step, self-care routine includes faith
Jamie Asaraf
Oftentimes, we find ourselves caught up in the tasks of everyday life–whether it’s going to work, taking care of kids, or keeping up with loved ones. Although necessary to live and succeed, these tasks do not always give us a sense of fulfillment at the end of the day. We get caught up in a loop of routine and forget to take care of our own well-being. Sometimes, we even forget how to take care of ourselves, we don’t even know where to begin. While others may find solace in just the intellectual, physical, or social aspects of life, you can also look to faith for respite. To help, here is a way to begin that journey.
The Physical
When you exercise and move the body around, it causes the brain to release “feel-good” neurotransmitters called endorphins. These endorphins excite the mind and body which results in giving you a positive feeling. This feeling is often referred to as a “runner’s high,” but it can be achieved in many different ways as well such as:
-Go for a hike/walk
-Take a swim
-Play tennis
-Make a fresh meal
The Social
Being stuck in a routine all day can make us forget that a world full of people exists. We also tend to forget that we have friends and family that would love to get together and also take a break from their daily routine. Remember that you have a support system and a nice coffee (or tea) break can really help create lasting joy. Here are some ways to kickstart the social aspect of your well-being:
-Create a plan to meet with a friend this week
-Volunteer for a couple of hours
-Set a time for an intentional family meal
-Grab a drink with a coworker
The Intellectual
You can also experience and partake in self-care without actually moving around, but rather stimulating the brain on its own. Here are some things that you can do to give your brain the attention it needs:
-Learn a new game (chess, cards, backgammon, etc)
-Read or color a book (long or short!)
-Practice a new language
-Write something—your thoughts, a storyline, or anything that comes to mind
The Spiritual
This last aspect of one’s well-being is often overlooked. It isn’t always considered to be an important part of creating peace and joy in one’s life. However, leaning on a higher power and/or practicing your faith can help add meaning and purpose to your life and routine.
-Meditate for at least 5 minutes a day (there are many resources online)
-Take a mindful walk
-Connect with a religious community
-Practice different forms of yoga or relaxation exercises
It can be difficult to make time for all these things, but if you remind yourself that self-care is just as important as any task, you will be able to prioritize some aspects of your well-being. You will also suddenly see how refreshed you will feel afterward and ready to take on anything that comes your way because you did something for yourself and prioritized your well-being.
Does reading about faith inspire you? Do you have a story or information about your faith you want to share? Tell us more!
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