When you have free time and you're unsure what to do for yourself
OR
When you've been struggling and you know you need to take care of yourself
What are the best forms of self-care?
What should you do with this time to make the most of it and end up feeling rested, replenished and/or rejuvenated?
Consider this hierarchy of self-care needs: starting at the top, make sure you incorporate and make time for the first one on the list that feels like a drink of water when you're thirsty.
Then, because that doesn't necessarily tell you WHAT to do with your time, try a self-check in.
How to practice a self check-in:
And if you're still at a loss for what to do, here are a few other pieces of guidance to consider:
Which of your values have you been neglecting?
This first requires you to identify your values. For a full list of values, check here or download the Get Unstuck Worksheet. Remember that when identifying your values, it's important to listen to what truly aligns versus what you feel should be important to you or what you have decided is important based on past wounds or fears.
If there is one particular value that is really calling to you, THAT is the one to focus on!
This is just another way of zeroing in on your needs in a more holistic way. Check out my suggestions below for more needs-based self-care ideas:
Do you most need to be:
Creative - make something (doesn't need to be with your hands!)
Active - move (doesn't matter how!)
Outdoors - what are you waiting for?!
Restful - grab a book, have a nap, watch a movie.
Mindful - go in nature, knit or meditate
Connected - call a friend or write a letter or postcard
Comforted - go to the library or a cafe with a book, take a warm bath
Free - explore somewhere new
Passionate - get lost in a story
Lost - watch TV
Consumed/absorbed - grab a book or a hobby project
And if you're feeling really low, please always consider that therapy and counselling can really help. Try the Canadian Mental Health Association's (CMHA) Mental Health Meter here. I've also personally worked with Tia Bell, Registered Social Worker and trained coach, who was amazing and has budget friendly options.
Coaching differs from therapy in that it focuses on surviving to thriving and future growth, versus healing from the past and working with mental health conditions. But if you're struggling with feeling unmotivated, undervalued, and lacking purpose at work, the Your Next Move coaching package might just be exactly what you need.
Many of my clients start with me when they are close to burn-out and we work our way through this together. Book a consult call anytime to find out how we can get you unstuck and on your way to feeling like you are living life to the fullest.
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