Managing our self-care battery is usually a multi-faceted approach.

I'm no expert, just someone who has spent many years slowly discovering the things that charge my personal self-care battery. I've failed a lot. But I've also continued to study through books, personal experience, and self-awareness. I wanted to share my strategies, hoping they would inspire you to design your own.

Even if these strategies don't work, I hope you explore some things in your own life that might work.

Sleep

After years of attempting 6 hours of sleep a night, I just know that I need closer to 7.5.

The proper amount of sleep brings so much more clarity to my mind. I also have more patience, understanding, and empathy for others. This not only improves my productivity, but it also tremendously enhances my relationships and perseverance.  

Do you know what your sweet spot is on sleep?  

Journal (Something Mindful)

I journal for 10-20 minutes every morning to create a more precise understanding and center my headspace.

This little exercise helps me become more aware of my genuine emotions and thoughts about the things occurring in my life. It provides a safe and healthy space to work through these things…one at a time. Meditation, prayer (which I also use), and even long walks (another favorite) help bring presence and mindfulness to your space.

What's something that helps center your headspace?

Moving The Body

For me, exercise is critical. Not necessarily daily, but I see this as something that builds up tension when I go too long without moving my body.

I run, lift, or bike. Not only does it help build a stronger body, pump my heart, and put me in a better physical shape, its most important benefits are for my mental state. I've learned this isn't for everyone, but even a walk is getting the body moving.

Do you feel the mental benefits of exercise? Or is it strictly a chore?

Flow States

I don't know how to explain flow states, and I'm not a scientist, sorry.

I know that sitting down working in 90-minute sprints on things that I can get lost in or the feeling I get on an afternoon run puts in my a flow state. I would describe it as 'all is right in the world.' Now, I don't know if you can create daily, but if you are piecing together the right exercises in your self-care, I believe they visit you more and more often.

Is there anything in your life (exercise, writing, painting, etc.) that gives you that state of flow feeling?

I hope something in here triggered an idea for your self-care strategy. Let me know if you have any questions.

What are some of your strategies?