What are the Different Types of Self-care for Health?

As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact a tailored self-care plan can have on individuals. Plans may dramatically improve our emotional well-being, physical activity levels, and overall peace of mind. Master the different types of self-care, and be at your best when you serve and care for others.

As we journey through the bustling rhythm of our daily lives, finding moments to pause and engage in self-care can seem like a luxury. Yet, embracing the various types of self-care is a foundational aspect of maintaining a balanced and joyful life. 

From the tranquility of a yoga class to getting enough sleep, self-care means catering to our unique needs across different areas of our lives. It’s about recognizing that caring for our emotional, physical, and spiritual health enhances our quality of life.

Self-care empowers us to care for others more effectively. 

So, if you’re exploring or asking, ‘What are the different types of self-care?’ you’re probably ready to take self-care to a higher level. 

Congratulations! Being ready to take better care of yourself is huge!

Need some help finding time to take better care of yourself? Get your FREE copy of the Self-care Starter Guide HERE!

If you’ve done any research, I’m sure you’ve discovered hundreds of self-care ideas on one quick Internet search.

Where to Prioritize Self-care Efforts

But how do you decide which self-care goals and activities are best for you?

Should you follow that generic list of ‘the best 47 self-care tips’? Should you go with everyone else and follow the latest diet trends?

Probably not.

The best place to start is to understand the different types of self-care so you know where to place your efforts.

How the Different Types of Self-care Affect Lifestyle Changes

The list below contains the seven types of self-care and examples of specific activities* that belong in each respecting category.

Knowing self-care categories and related activities will give you a better awareness of the effort required while changing your habits.

Why is this important? Have you ever noticed that what seems like a small habit change quickly becomes way more involved than expected?

Why do you think that happens?

It’s because the new habit involves self-care types that we don’t remember we need to address. For example, changing your dietary habits affects more than the physical self-care category. Your dietary change will likely touch ALL of the following seven categories.

To illustrate, let's pretend I currently eat the typical Western diet of at least 50% pre-packaged, processed, or fast foods. I want my whole family to begin eating a Mediterranean Diet. 

I will address this example at the end of each category described below.

Understanding Types of Self-Care

Embarking on a passage towards better health and wellness involves recognizing the various dimensions of self-care and acknowledging our role as social beings, fostering meaningful relationships, and establishing healthy boundaries for emotional and social well-being. 

Together, these pillars form a holistic approach to self-care, essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. 

The Seven Pillars of Self-Care

• It encompasses physical health, ensuring our bodies are nurtured through regular exercise and healthy eating. 
• Emotional health requires us to process and express our feelings healthily and enhance our emotional well-being. 
• Diving deeper, spiritual health connects us with a higher power or our inner values, offering a sense of purpose. 
• Intellectual self-care demands we dedicate time to activities that stimulate the mind, supporting our intellectual growth. 
• Social and relational self-care fosters relationships in our community, household, and extended family.
• Lastly, safety self-care guides us toward achieving financial goals, contributing to our safety and security.  The professional help and the support of healthcare providers also play an indispensable role in maintaining comprehensive care of our bodies and minds, and those activities are housed under this self-care category. 

7 Types of Self-care

Physical Self-care

As one of the most well-known and widely researched self-care categories, physical self-care includes the activities that impact your physical health’s well-being.

It’s the cornerstone of maintaining your well-being, impacting every aspect of your daily life. It’s about caring for your body to ensure you’re at your best physically. 

This form of self-care is vital, not just for your physical health but for your emotional and mental well-being, too.

Engaging in exercise, making wise food choices that include healthy foods, and ensuring you get enough sleep are critical components.

These activities support the care of your body, keeping you energized and ready to tackle daily challenges. Remember, integrating physical self-care into your routine contributes significantly to a happy life, providing a solid foundation for your overall quality of life. 

Examples:

Most noteworthy, physical self-care activities include:

• Being active (exercise)
• Making good food choices
• Meal prep
• Meal planning
• Grocery shopping
• Cooking (following a recipe)
• Drinking enough water
• Getting enough good sleep
• Using sunscreen
• Everything related to taking care of your physical health

Similarly, it includes visiting the doctor for wellness visits, preventative screenings, or when you might be sick. Finally, it includes following your health providers’ instructions when you have an illness, injury, or chronic disease.

In regard to the Mediterranean Diet example above, you've probably noted that making good food choices IS part of physical self-care. 

But, it also includes more detailed and involved activities. Most noteworthy is the food prep. 

If you are used to eating prepared foods you need to know that:

-the grocery shopping
-meal planning (new recipes) 
-meal prep (more raw foods to prep) 
-the cooking 

are going to have a major impact on your habit change. 

Not only will you have to spend time learning all of the above, it will take you more time to do it. In my experience, the learning curve and the unexpected time contraints of food prep are the biggest barriers to changing an eating plan. 

Even more, most people over-estimate their knowledge and understanding. For example, during your excitement you might decide to buy an in-depth Mediterranean cookbook, only to realize the recipes are too complicated and time-consuming. 

So in this scenerio, a beginner's Mediterranean cookbook, one with tips and meal plans, is a more helpful option.

Emotional Self-care

Emotional self-care is crucial in our journey towards a happy life and mental well-being.

It encompasses activities that help us process and express our feelings healthily.

One potent form of emotional self-care is journaling, where you can confront your emotions directly, offering a path for relief and understanding.

For those moments when emotions feel too overwhelming, seeking professional help from social workers or a therapist provides a structured and supportive environment to navigate those turbulent waters.

Moreover, never underestimate the healing power of spending quality time with loved ones. Engaging in social activities or simply sharing your day can forge stronger bonds and provide a sense of security and belonging. Remember, taking steps to care for your emotional health is beneficial and essential for your overall well-being. 

Thankfully, more information is being shared about how important and routine it should be to pay attention to the care of your mental health and emotional self-care.

Most noteworthy is that correctly processing emotions is critical to emotional wellness. This is especially true for women.

Examples

People can use a variety of activities to process their emotions. Examples of emotional self-care include:

• Drawing, sewing, landscaping, playing music, or relaxation techniques.
• Some people can process their emotions by discussing them with a counselor or a trustworthy friend.
• Emotional self-care involves finding outlets for your feelings. Another way to say this is to identify, accept, and express your range of feelings (anger, compassion, forgiveness, coping with stress, anxiety – all emotions).
• In contrast, holding emotions inside and not working through them can lead to emotional illness, stress, and even physical symptoms.

Emotional self-care can have a major impact on the success of any new change you want to make. When you start anything new, in this case, a Mediterranean Diet, remember that mistakes are part of learning process. 

If you take the approach that your mistakes are opportunities to improve, learn and grow (and not failure) along the way, you'll be better positioned to keep going and not give up.

This is a healthy way to try different things. That said, adapting to lifestyle changes can be frustrating, so you should expect some stress and therefore have a plan to manage it. Naturally, exercise would be a productive way to process some of the frustration!

Spiritual Self-care

Spiritual self-care encompasses exploring and expressing our beliefs, morals, and values.

Psychologist Carol Williams-Nickelson uses the clinical definition of “an ongoing search for meaning and understanding in life and what may extend beyond.”

For many people, spiritual self-care means learning their place in the universe. And it can mean connecting to a larger purpose.

Spirituality isn’t always synonymous with religion but it can be for some people. Activities can include observing nature, learning about other religions, and even visiting museums.

Activities that include religious practices might be acts such as praise, worship, prayerful meditation, reading Scripture, tithing, responding to your calling, using your gifts and passions, or attending a service.

As Christians, our spiritual self-care impacts our Christian living.

Christians have a God-given purpose and passion. Therefore, your self-care influences your ability to impact these spiritual disciplines.

When you start taking better care of yourself, you set yourself up to see where God is working around you. As a result, you can look for opportunities where your gift(s) and passion(s) can align with your calling to Christ.

It may come as a surprise to you that your spirituality can and should be a of a lifestyle change - even when you're making changes to your eating plan.  Your faith can provide motivation when you don't feel like being motivated. 

Research shows that activities like meditative prayer and attending church services can have a positive impact on stress management.

Also, I recommend you bring your self-care into your prayer time.

My referral and affiliate links are below. If you click through & make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. My full disclosure can be viewed for details.

Looking for a way to stay motivated about taking better care of yourself? Check out my Bible study by clicking my affiliate link.

Intellectual Self-care

Intellectual self-care is related to having opportunities to engage in critical thinking and ways to grow your knowledge and stimulate the mind.

While this includes your critical thinking skills it also involves your interest in ideas and creativity.

Intelligence, emotional intelligence, career development, and continuing education all fall into this category.

Your creative pursuits, like art appreciation or time spent enjoying hobbies, is also part of your intellectual self-care.

Your ability to adapt, your self-confidence, your drive for achievement, as well as your level of optimism, commitment, and self-control all have an effect on your success rate when you start a Mediterranean Diet. 

Consider using the strategies that lead you to success in other parts of your life. 

For example, if you find listening to podcasts to be motivating at work, listen to podcasts about changing your lifestyle or starting a Mediterranean Diet. 

Social Self-care

Social self-care is about nurturing relationships with all the different people outside your immediate family.

We, as social beings, thrive on connections and relationships that provide us with a sense of belonging and emotional support. Exploring social self-care is a beautiful way to nurture those bonds, keeping us engaged and rooted in our communities. 

This category has everything to do with communication, personal boundaries, outside support systems, and groups that you belong to within your social network.

For instance, joining a club or engaging in social activities can be a fulfilling way to expand your network and foster meaningful connections. 

Social networks range from neighbors and friends to co-workers and church family. Community groups, support groups, and online connections are also included in your social self-care.

Research shows how important a sense of belonging is to us as we age.

Friendships become especially important over time because we face difficult challenges like sickness, divorce and the death of loved ones*.

Be aware that loneliness is common and affects your success rate when making changes to your life.

Navigating social media wisely, ensuring it enriches rather than drains, can also be a significant form of self-care. Above all, maintaining healthy relationships forms the cornerstone of effective self-care, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of support, love, and mutual respect. Remember, every small step can lead to a more enriched and connected life. 

Finding a group of at least 2-4 other people who want to eat a Mediterranean Diet is a proven strategy for success. 

Compliance and success rates drop when social self-care is lacking or ignored. 

Relational Self-care

Relational self-care focuses on strengthening the relationships around you. This refers to the people you have close, daily familial interactions with on a regular basis.

Therefore, this will include your spouse or significant other, kids, parents and other close family members.

In many cases, the stronger and more positive your relational self-care experience is every day, the more successful you will be while making changes in your lifestyle.

One of the most important questions nurses ask patients is whether or not they feel supported at home.

Positive support greatly impacts the compliance rate (and the success rate) of patients who have to start a new medication, treatment, diet or lifestyle.

In addition, family dynamics affect how you spend your time. If you are actively involved with busy children or teenagers, your time is spent going to your children’s events.

You may inadvertently or purposely put your self-care needs last out of love or even feelings of obligation.

In contrast, if the dynamics are negative additional barriers and lack of support interfere with compliance and success rates.

Therefore, if your whole family is on board with eating a Mediterranean Diet you will have a more positive experience. It is much easier to to make a lifestyle or diet change if everyone in the family is working together to plan ahead and make efforts to be compliant even with schedule changes or conflicts.

When moving to a new diet or eating plan alone, it is necessary to find support outside of the home to increase your chances of success. 

In fact, it is supported in research and strongly encouraged! 

Safety & Security Self-care

Safety and security self-care encompasses your personal and environmental safety. It also affects your financial security.

Activities for this self-care category include taking precautions to feel safe or comfortable in your home or surroundings (work, community, commuting, etc.).

Simple activities like having functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to crime prevention like locking home and vehicle doors will improve your general safety.

Safety self-care also includes having plans for various emergencies like severe weather or tornado bunkers, a fire escape plan, an intruder plan, etc).

Access to healthcare & coverage is a huge component of your safety and security.

Depending on where you live, preventive and sick care may not be easily obtainable.

Plus, most healthcare offices and clinics are only open during business hours. If you cannot miss work, then urgent care and emergency rooms become your convenient access point – which is much more costly and sometimes time-consuming.

Furthermore, without affordable and appropriate healthcare coverage, it becomes more difficult to get the right care and treatment at the right time.

Finally, your financial security is an important part of your self-care.

Setting up and following a budget can help you build up your savings, and manage and understand money. It is a helpful tool that you can use to pay your bills on time and even know when you can enjoy splurging once in a while.

Your safety and security self-care has a tremendous affect on the success of starting a Mediterranean Diet. First of all, if you do not feel safe in your home or community, your priority will be finding safety and protection, not what you are eating.

Unfortunately, your finances are also going to have an enormous impact on the success of changing how you eat. 

First, you are set up for greater success if you have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. And, even more so if can easily afford to buy them. 

We'd all like to say money doesn't affect your health and wellness, but the truth is that it very much does. 

Thankfully, there are volumes of free shopping guides, free meal-planning tips and meal prepping strategies available online that focus on making the most of your budget while eating healthy food. 

Practical Tips for Implementing Self-Care

Embracing the importance of self-care might feel overwhelming at first, especially with our daily hustle. 

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. It’s about taking small steps towards a healthier you. 

Start by setting realistic goals that resonate with your unique needs. Maybe it’s deciding to go to bed earlier, integrating regular times for exercise into your week, or making time for social activities that lift your spirit. 

Think about self-care as part of your daily routine. Incorporate simple physical activities; even a quick walk around the block counts. Prioritize spending quality time with close friends or engage in a hobby that brings you joy.

Remember, what works best for you is key. You’re not the same as everyone else, and that’s great. Your self-care plan should be as unique as you are. 

Find joy in the journey of discovering what makes you feel your best. 

Creating a Personal Self-Care Plan

Crafting a personalized self-care plan isn’t just about dotting it with activities; it’s about delving into your unique needs and recognizing the diversity of self-care—from the physical to the spiritual and everything in between.

Begin by asking yourself what truly rejuvenates you. 

Is it the gentle stretch of yoga, the creative outlet of painting, or the reflective solitude of journaling? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all; what matters is what resonates with you. 

Next, prioritize. 

Yes, life’s bustling rhythm can seem overwhelming, but carving out time for self-care isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for a balanced life. Balance doesn’t mean squeezing in everything at once; it’s knowing when your body craves rest, your mind seeks stimulation, your spirit needs connection, and responding in kind. 

Integrating various types of self-care into your plan ensures a holistic approach. 

Physical health, emotional well-being, social connections, financial stability, and spiritual peace—all these facets interlink, forming a mosaic of your overall well-being. 

Remember, your self-care plan is a living document, as dynamic as life itself. 

Revisit it often, tweaking it as you evolve. Ultimately, it’s about creating a life that sustains you and allows you to thrive. 

So, take that first step. We’re in this together, and I’m here to guide you each step of the way. 

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Self-Care

Consulting with healthcare providers plays a pivotal role in enhancing your self-care strategies, especially when managing physical and mental health conditions. 

Understanding that self-care goes beyond healthy eating, regular exercise, and getting consistent good sleep is vital. 

It also encompasses the support of a healthcare provider who can guide you in making informed decisions about your health. 

Whether setting financial goals for better financial self-care, understanding the different types of self-care to improve your health and wellness, or integrating practical and personal self-care into your daily life, your healthcare provider can offer professional help and resources. 

Regular discussions with your provider ensure that your self-care plan is tailored to your unique needs, helping you maintain a healthy diet, manage stress effectively, and foster healthy relationships for a happier, more fulfilling life. 

Challenges and Solutions in Self-Care

Self-care journies often bring us face to face with obstacles that can seem insurmountable. 

Time constraints loom large, making us feel there’s never enough to dedicate to our well-being. 

A lack of motivation can leave us stranded, watching from the sidelines as our self-care drifts by unrealized. 

But fear not, for these challenges are not unbeatable. 

Prioritizing is critical to tackle the ever-present issue of time constraints. It’s about making self-care activities a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. 

Think of self-care as an appointment you can’t miss, like a meeting with a very important person – because you are that important person. 

And when motivation wanes, reaching out for support can make all the difference. Whether it’s a close friend, a support group, or the guidance of a healthcare provider, having someone to share your journey with can infuse your self-care practice with renewed energy and purpose. 

Self-Care for Different Life Stages

Self-care evolves with us, mirroring the shifting landscapes of our lives. 

As our physical bodies and emotional needs transform, our self-care routines must adapt from one life stage to another. 

In youth, self-care might be more about physical activities and establishing a sense of purpose, laying the foundation for healthy habits. 

As we enter adulthood, the focus shifts towards juggling the demands of everyday life, work, and possibly caregiving—making practical and emotional self-care paramount. 

The golden years bring about a new set of challenges and opportunities. Here, self-care leans heavily on maintaining social connections, managing health in the face of chronic conditions, and perhaps embracing spirituality or cultivating a legacy.

Each stage requires a unique concoction of self-care strategies to sustain a lifestyle that nourishes the body and soul. 

The Impact of Self-Care on Society

Have you ever considered how the ripples of your self-care practices can extend far beyond your personal life, impacting society?

It’s a profound thought, isn’t it? 

When we collectively prioritize self-care – through regular exercise, investing time in our spiritual self-care practices, or making healthier food choices – we don’t just enhance our daily lives; we lay the groundwork for a more resilient and thriving society. 

Picture this: more people taking fewer sick days, buoyed by their robust physical wellness and emotional health – maybe for the care of others. Now, let’s talk numbers for a moment. 

Imagine the sheer scale of healthcare costs that could be alleviated through preventive self-care measures. 

It’s not just about lessening the burden on our healthcare system; it’s about freeing up resources that could be redirected toward other critical areas. 

Moreover, productivity soars in a society where individuals are at their best – emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Suddenly, it’s not just about spending time living a relaxed and happy life; it’s about fueling a happy, healthier, and more sustainable world. Who knew the daily choice to attend that yoga class or prep a healthy meal could have far-reaching effects?

Cultivating a Life of Wellness

Embarking on the self-care journey isn’t just about occasional indulgences or quick fixes. 

It’s about cultivating a life of wellness that permeates every aspect of our being and, subsequently, the world around us. 

At its core, the best way to look at self-care is to recognize that you deserve to be treated with the same compassion, respect, and kindness you give others. It’s acknowledging that your physical status, emotional wellness, and mental fortitude are invaluable assets that require regular maintenance and care. 

From practical self-care activities that nourish your body, partaking in social activities that enrich your social well-being, to carving out moments for mental self-care that fosters a healthy mind, embarking on the self-care journey positions you at the helm of your happiness and health. 

It invites you to set goals towards financial self-care, ensure enough sleep for revitalization, and, importantly, spend quality time cultivating healthy relationships. 

Self-care means offering yourself love through various areas of self-care and activities and, importantly, allowing yourself the grace to seek professional help when needed. This holistic approach ensures a better quality of life for you and radiates outward, contributing to a healthier, happier society. 

The Secret to Self-care Success

Asking “What are the Different Types of Self-care?” Is the Secret to Your Success!

In closing, knowing the benefits of self-care and all associated activities is essential to be aware of when you start taking better care of yourself.

Likewise, it is vital to succeed while making a lifestyle change.

It may seem like a lot to take in at once. So, take small steps towards integrating different types of self-care into your daily life, and watch as this practice transforms areas of your life, elevating both your sense of purpose and well-being in the long run.

Remember, there’s just one starting place. While you must be aware of all the self-care categories, you should start by working only on the 1st to 2nd most pertinent type of self-care and its activities.

Don’t forget your FREE Self-care Starter Guide! Get it HERE. 

Q&As for What are the Different Types of Self-care for Health?

1 What are the Different Types of Self-care Taken From?

As a nurse, I must use scientific standards from a credible source. Also, because most (but not all) of my followers are women, I’ve chosen to use the 7 different types of self-care categories identified by Carol Williams-Nickelson, Psy. D., her book, The Handbook of Girls’ and Women’s Psychological Health: Gender and Well-Being Across the Life Span. (#paid link). My extensive online research shows you can find resources stating 3, 4, 5, and even six types of self-care categories, but I prefer this source.

*The self-care activity lists are adapted from Williams-Nickelson’s list in her book. I’ve added or refined the list of activities based on my nursing observations and experiences while working with patients.

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