If you crack a tooth it’s clear that you should go to the dentist. This is what I like to call obvious self-care. Broken bones, the flu, and stinky arm pits; obvious, obvious, obvious. 

But what about general malaise, low-grade anxiety, or chronic self-sabotage? Shit. What kind of self-care does that all need?

I'm super excited about this week’s blog because this is when we start learning how to recognize our self-care needs! HUZZAH!

We're going to gather what we’ve learned and start putting it into practice. 

This is when the magic starts to happen.

So, if you haven’t read the previous blogs, may I suggest you do so. Start with the 5 Secrets for Successful Self-Care and then read: Identifying The Self

Go ahead. I’ll wait here…

Ok. So, let’s have a quick run down of the things we know:

1. Successful self-care requires: 

• A positive mindset
• Body and self awareness
• Having direction with practical and achievable goals
• Taking action
• Seeking support

2. We create a positive mindset by upgrading our thoughts and language so they support our self-care efforts.

3. Understanding the inner workings of you mind and body will empower you. 

4. We need to be really clear on how we’re feeling, and what we want in life. 

5. A human is a whole organism that needs to care for their mental, physical, practical, emotional, social, and spiritual selves. 

Now, let’s figure out where you might need a little TLC. 

As you can see, I’ve arranged the six selves into a wheel; each piece being of equal value. That’s because you are a whole person and every bit of you has equal importance. 

If one area of your self is falling flat, the wheel ceases to be round. And when a wheel isn’t round, it can cause a bumpier ride. Self-care is what keeps our wheel round. It helps us maintain homeostasis. It’s what we call, balance. 

Alrighty, let’s haul out the feelings wheel, grab a notebook, and let's get crackin'!

1. Using the feelings wheel, list the emotions you've been experiencing the most lately (and maybe some other emotions that might not be on the wheel). 
   
   
2. Create a wheel similar to the chart below (or snag the Self-Care Discovery Worksheet here). Think about each piece and rate them on a scale of 1-10.
   
   1 = Lacking, 10 = Fulfilled 
   
   Shade in each piece accordingly.

   
   
   
   
   Here's a little refresher list of all the selves. 
   
   The Mental Self
   The self that thinks critically, rationally, makes plans, and solves problems. 
   
   The Practical Self
   The self that manages responsibilities, organization, and time management. 
   
   The Social Self
   The self that determines what role you play in different relationships and social situations. 
   
   The Emotional Self
   The self that experiences, manages, and reflects on feelings and emotions. 
   
   The Physical Self
   The self that is your entire biological being (blood, bones, organs, skin, hair, everything). 
   
   The Spiritual Self
   The self that connects with something bigger than the ego. The truest form of self that lives without judgement.  Joy, gratitude, and empathy live here

3. What does your wheel look like? What parts are flat? Where do you feel more fulfilled? Is your whole wheel balanced, but running low?

Clearly, the areas that are lagging behind are the places of your life that could use a little extra TLC.

One of the greatest perks about self-care, though, is when we actively tend to one area of our self, we can actually reap benefits in other departments. Especially when we add the element of mindfulness to the mix.

And all of that, my friend, will be topics for my next blog!

I love you.
I appreciate you. 
Thank you SO much for being here.

I'll see you soon. 

Don't miss the latest, greatest, self-care goodness, and be sure to sign up for my Newsletter! ...and snag the FREE Mindset Makeover Worksheet!

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