5 types of self-care and how to practice self-care properly. How to boost your well-being with physical, emotional, mental, social, and practical self-care.
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself with bubble baths and face masks, though those are great too! It’s about maintaining your overall well-being by addressing different areas of your life. Whether it’s your physical, emotional, or social needs, practicing self-care can help you feel more balanced and capable of handling life’s challenges. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 5 types of self-care and show you exactly how to practice self-care in each area, based on my own experiences.
Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for your well-being. I used to think self-care was just about indulging in spa days or relaxing with a good book. But over time, I’ve learned it’s much more than that. Self-care is about taking the necessary steps to care for yourself in various areas of your life so you can feel balanced, grounded, and capable of handling life’s challenges. This means addressing your physical, emotional, mental, social, and practical needs. Each type of self-care contributes to your overall well-being in unique ways. And trust me, once you begin to regularly practice self-care, the benefits are life-changing.
While we’re on the subject on self-care, why not learn How To Make a Self-care Kit.
Here are the 5 types of self-care
- Physical self-care: Taking care of your body through exercise, sleep, and nutrition.
- Emotional self-care: Managing and processing your feelings in a healthy way.
- Mental self-care: Stimulating and challenging your mind through learning and mindfulness.
- Social self-care: Nurturing relationships and maintaining social connections.
- Practical self-care: Staying on top of day-to-day tasks and organizing your life.
If you’re wondering how to practice self-care in each of these areas, keep reading—I’ll share practical tips based on my own experiences, along with ways to fit these practices into your daily life.
1. Physical Self-Care
Physical self-care is all about nurturing your body to feel your best. This means not only exercising, but also eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. When I wasn’t paying attention to my physical health, I felt constantly drained. But as soon as I started making time for eight hours of sleep, regular walks, and even short stretches throughout the day, my energy levels went up. And you can’t forget your skincare routine, here are some Beauty Tips That Actually Work.
Physical self-care is one of the 5 types of self-care that form the foundation of overall well-being. It’s not just about working out—it’s about listening to your body. If you’re tired, rest. If you’re thirsty, drink more water. Paying attention to what your body needs ensures that you’re at your best for everything else in life. For me, making time to care for my body transformed how I felt each day. Even small adjustments, like prioritizing proper rest or getting out in nature, made me feel stronger and more capable.
Taking care of your body is a reminder that self-care is so important—and physical health is the first step in any effective self-care routine. Take a look at these Self-Care Ideas To Keep You Motivated And Feeling Great.
How to practice physical self-care:
- Take daily walks or try a new workout.
- Prioritize sleep and aim for at least 7-8 hours.
- Eat nourishing foods that make you feel good.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
When I began focusing on these areas, my mood and energy levels improved, proving just how important physical self-care is. I also realised that physical self-care can really improve my overall appearance. Have a look at this Daily Routine for Healthy Hair, it really helped my hair to not only grow faster, but look great too.
2. Emotional Self-Care
Emotional self-care involves giving yourself permission to feel and express your emotions in a healthy way. It’s about checking in with yourself and acknowledging how you truly feel, whether you’re experiencing stress, sadness, joy, or anything in between. When I was going through a tough time, I realized how important it was to create space for my emotions. Journaling became a lifeline for me—it helped me get my thoughts out and onto paper. Writing things down made my emotions feel less overwhelming, and it gave me clarity when everything felt chaotic.
This type of self-care is vital because it allows you to process your feelings instead of bottling them up. It’s easy to overlook this, but emotional health is one of the 5 types of self-care that should never be ignored. Whether it’s through journaling, talking to a friend, or even taking time for quiet reflection, you need to acknowledge your feelings. For me, it felt like I was giving myself the gift of validation, and that’s what emotional self-care is all about—honoring your emotions without judgment. Practicing emotional self-care has made me more resilient and has helped me better handle life’s ups and downs.
How to practice emotional self-care:
- Journal about your feelings regularly.
- Allow yourself to cry when you need to—it’s okay to feel.
- Talk to a therapist or a trusted friend when things get too heavy.
- Practice mindfulness or deep breathing when you feel stressed.
By learning how to practice emotional self-care, I’ve learned to manage my emotions in a way that makes me feel more balanced and in control.
3. Mental Self-Care
Mental self-care is all about nurturing your mind and keeping it sharp. For me, it’s been essential to find activities that stimulate my brain and challenge me in new ways. When I felt like I was stuck in a rut, signing up for an online course completely changed things. It sparked a sense of excitement that I hadn’t felt in a while, and it pushed me to keep learning.
This type of self-care can look different for everyone. For some, it’s learning new skills, solving puzzles, or reading a good book. Mental self-care ensures that you stay engaged, curious, and mentally resilient. It’s one of the 5 types of self-care that people often overlook, but it’s just as important as taking care of your body or emotions. Challenging your brain not only helps you grow but also boosts your overall well-being. By making mental self-care a priority, I’ve found that I feel more confident, creative, and capable of handling everyday challenges.
I found this article really helpful in learning about what mental health is and why it’s so important to take care of yours: What Constitutes Mental Health? How to Get Emotional Balance
How to practice mental self-care:
- Read books or articles that interest you.
- Try puzzles or brain games to keep your mind sharp.
- Learn a new skill or hobby.
- Limit social media consumption to give your brain a break.
By feeding my mind with things that inspire me, I’ve noticed how much more motivated and focused I feel.
4. Social Self-Care
Social self-care focuses on building and maintaining healthy relationships. I’ve learned first-hand how isolating it can feel when you don’t invest time in your friendships or family. At times, I found myself withdrawing from people when I was too tired or overwhelmed. But, reaching out—even when I didn’t feel like it—always made a huge difference in my mood. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, calling a friend, or just grabbing a coffee with someone you trust, social self-care helps strengthen your support system.
Maintaining meaningful connections is one of the most important 5 types of self-care because it reminds you that you don’t have to go through life alone. For me, making the effort to stay in touch with people—even in small ways—helped me feel less isolated and more grounded. Investing in those relationships has made me feel more connected and supported, especially during tough times.
How to practice social self-care:
- Make time for the people who matter to you.
- Set boundaries when necessary—don’t let social obligations drain you.
- Call or message a friend just to check in.
- Plan regular meet-ups or virtual hangouts.
Having a strong support system has been vital for my mental and emotional well-being, and it’s something I actively work to maintain. This article at Mayo Clinic goes into detail about why social connections are important and how they affect your life: Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health
5. Practical Self-Care
Practical self-care is all about managing the everyday tasks that keep your life organized and less stressful. For me, this includes budgeting, meal planning, and keeping my space tidy. I used to overlook this aspect of self-care, but I quickly realized that when I neglect these things, my stress levels skyrocket. On the other hand, when I take the time to get organized—whether it’s setting a budget, cleaning up my environment, or planning out my week—everything feels much more manageable.
Staying on top of practical self-care tasks is the most helpful of the 5 types of self-care because it creates a sense of order in life. By organizing the little things, you clear mental space for more important matters, and you feel more in control. For example, once I started setting aside time for things like weekly meal prep and budgeting, I felt more on top of my schedule and less anxious about daily responsibilities.
How to practice practical self-care:
- Organize your space to create a calm environment.
- Create a budget and track your spending.
- Set short-term and long-term goals.
- Take care of any pending tasks, like paying bills or scheduling appointments.
When I started practicing practical self-care, I noticed a huge reduction in my stress levels. Staying organized and on top of things made me feel more grounded.
Bringing It All Together: Practicing the 5 Types of Self-Care
Including the 5 types of self-care into your daily life may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s worth it. As I’ve learned, even small steps can make a big impact on your overall well-being. By focusing on physical, emotional, mental, social, and practical self-care, you’re giving yourself the tools to thrive, not just survive.
Remember, self-care isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress and listening to what your mind and body need at any given moment. Some days, it might be going for a walk to clear your head, while other days, it’s connecting with a friend for support or taking care of practical tasks to reduce stress.
What matters most is that you make self-care a consistent priority. After all, the relationship you have with yourself sets the foundation for everything else in your life.
Have a look at When Does Self-Care Become Self-Sabotage and find out of your self-care routine is a little too rigid.
Which of the 5 types of self-care do you include in your daily life? Let me know in the comments below!
Here is a video about the 5 types of self-care, if listening is more your thing.
I share practical and insightful advice on Healthy Daily Routines about self-care, self-love, personal growth, and productivity. I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge in these areas, and my blog has already helped countless people achieve their goals and live more fulfilling lives. My ultimate goal is to continue inspiring and empowering others.
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