The True Meaning of Self Care Plus How To Build Habits That Uplift You Inside and Out

Self care is probably one of the most overused terms - especially when it comes to the beauty industry. It has been deduced to elaborate skin care routines, doing makeup, staying in, binge watching, eating chocolate and sweets - and the list goes on.

But what if self care were defined in these components: spirit care, soul care, space care and body care? How would your self care routine differ?

As you reflect on that, let’s take a deep dive into what each of those components mean and what they look like on a practical level.

Spirit care is anything that uplifts your inner spirit. These practices are usually tied to your values and beliefs. This can include prayer, meditation or Bible study.

Soul care is anything that uplifts your soul, or your mindset and emotions. This can look different for everyone, depending on your emotional temperament and what feeds your soul. For me, soul care is rooted in anything artistic, listening to music, and sometimes, my spirit care rolls over into soul care too.

Space care is linked to your physical environment - because yes, your environment impacts your mood. Have you ever noticed that when the house is unorganized or needs cleaning, how it makes you feel? Conversely, cleaning your physical space allows for your body to feel more at ease and relaxed.

And lastly, body care is anything that intentionally treats and nourishes your physical body. Yes, that includes skin care routines and doing your makeup, but it can also be taking a bath and moisturizing head to toe afterwards, putting your favorite essential oils in a diffuser and creating your own aromatherapy moment, or even going for a walk.

Below are some examples of each category. The next time you think of your self care routine, think about it holistically with these components and use this guide as a starting point.

Building habits that encompass each of these areas begins with understanding what you need personally. Think about how your days are structured and what uplifts you in each area (spirit, soul, space/environment and body).

Start small and cultivate a weekly practice of addressing each of these areas. Notice how the habits build upon one another and feel free to switch it up as the seasons change. In colder weather, things that uplift your soul could be drinking warm tea and reading a book, but in the warmer months, you might want to take your soul care outside in the fresh air.

Remember, self care isn’t one dimensional, and neither are you. So give yourself plenty of grace, and do what you need to do to take care of your spirit, soul, space and body.