This post is a life-in-progress and will grow with me.

I’m developing my strategy for a self-care plan because I want to make sure that I’m taking care of myself. In order to be a healthy, happy person, it’s important to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. I know this, but sometimes it’s hard to remember when you’re busy with your day-to-day life. I’ve been trying to develop a self-care plan that will help me make sure that I’m taking care of myself in these three areas. Additionally, I want to keep up with my work and personal life by being productive in both areas. My personal life also includes many roles—as a mother, daughter, friend, etc.—and I need to be able to manage them all effectively.

This week, I plan to learn all about my needs, feelings, and limitations. Isn’t it fascinating to discover who we are? It is my goal to explore who I am and the potential I hold. There is so much to look into, and self-awareness is the key.

7-pronged Self-awareness 

First, I wrote down all the things that came to mind. Then, when I felt like I had exhausted everything on my list of possibilities (which was a very messy sheet of paper),—I tried grouping them together in different categories using common words or ideas as bases for these groups. This would later help me be more systematic and strategic in growing myself internally by writing out how each category related to self-care.

1. Physical Awareness In 2018, I got a chronic condition that has deeply limited my physical activities and subsequently, my body confidence. I was always a chubby kid, but have never really worried about it. In fact, I used to be an avid runner, but now I’m lucky if I can make it down the block without getting winded or falling apart.
   1. Body scanning This involves paying attention to my body and recognising when it needs rest, exercise, or medical attention. This can include activities like stretching, taking breaks when needed, and getting regular check-ups.
   2. Explore yoga I’m repeatedly told that it can help me develop a deeper connection with my body.
   3. Breathing exercises To again, develop a deeper connection with my body.
   4. Start simple. Start small. I’ve started walking. It sounds so ridiculously simple, but it has been the only physical activity I’ve been encouraged to commit to (for now!).
   5. Healthy eating I feel I’m a little healthy here, although I do have a weakness for desserts and nighttime snacking. Shall ponder upon this.
   6. Restful sleep I’ve totally nailed this! (Note to self: I’m focusing on physical awareness for this month, and am leaving the rest of my thoughts below in case I need to reference them later.)
2. Emotional Awareness
   1. Recognising & acknowledging my emotions, habits, and sufferings. Understanding what triggers them and learning healthy ways to manage them
3. Financial Awareness
   1. Budgeting, saving, earning
4. Spiritual Awareness
   1. Gratitude
   2. Engage in creative pursuits
   3. Seek out meaningful experiences: Seek out experiences that are personally meaningful to you, whether it’s volunteering, traveling, or learning something new.
   4. Reflect on your values: Reflecting on your values and what is important to you can help you cultivate a sense of purpose and direction.
5. Environmental Awareness educate yourself about environmental issues:
   1. Connect with nature: 
6. Mental Awareness recognising my thoughts and beliefs and how they may impact my behaviour and emotions
   1. Positive self-talk and Reframe negative self-talk:
   2. Meditation
7. Social Awareness: Mindful communication involves listening to others without judgment and speaking intentionally. This can help improve communication and reduce conflicts.
   1. Family
   2. Friends
   3. Coworkers
   4. Social groups and support