I didn't want to swim yesterday. I knew it would be a good idea; swimming brightens my mood and lifts my energy. I didn't feel up to it. Still, I'm glad I swam. As I left the gym, my mind felt clearer and my body stronger. The most effective self-care does not always feel like a treat.

Here are five avenues toward self-care that, while not easy, can be essential.

1. Exercise

Most of us imagine that exercise is "good" for us. Yet, here, we are referencing a routine of movement. For centuries, our species exercised for hours each day so that we could obtain food and complete the other tasks of daily life. Today, we are much more sedate. Yet, we still need physical activity. Whether through regular swims or a few stretches in the evening, taking time for motion is necessary.

 

2. Having Difficult Conversations

Tricky but needed conversations are easy to put off or try to avoid altogether. Still, the damage inflicted on relationships by missing these talks is immense. What might have started as a tiny issue in the relationship can snowball into one that feels insurmountable. The sooner we can have these conversations, the more likely we will be able to resolve conflict and strengthen the relationship.

3. Facing the Things We Don't Want to Admit

Self-deception is an almost universal phenomenon. None of us are always honest with ourselves, even if we do our best to do so. Yet, the weight of what we don't face, the shame and fears we carry, only grows in time. Taking time to face these things through reflection and sometimes therapy can be, at once, painful and liberating.

4. Doing the Things We Don't Feel Like Doing

At times, taking time away from work activity is critical. Yet, re-approaching these ventures is equally vital. That call to the IRS might sound like a nightmare, yet the sense of solace afterward can be immense while preventing further stress.

5. Showering

You might wonder, "How is showering a tough self-care activity?" Yet, when coping with depression, grief, or other difficult times in life, simple activities of daily living, like showering, are not always easy. Many replace these with short-term solutions like baby wipes and dry shampoo. There is absolutely a place for these temporary substitutes. Still, the relief of taking some time for physical self-care, including a genuine shower, can be well worth it.

In Closing

Sometimes, self-care is a trip to the salon or a day at the beach. Other times, it's a conversation we've been putting off and a visit to the bank. Self-care is not just about things that immediately make us feel good; it's also about those tasks that maintain our physical, emotional, social, financial, and spiritual health.

Similarly, for someone who might be dealing with depression or grief, what we might be up to can vary significantly from day to day. Self-care on some days might be taking a shower or walking a single lap around the block. Navigating what we need and pacing ourselves is part of a long-term journey toward overall well-being.