Is Self-Regulation Part of Your Self-Care?

Nourishing yourself in a way that helps you blossom in the direction you want to go is attainable, and you are worth the effort. — Deborah Day

Self-care in real life doesn’t always look like the pictures of an individual soaking in a tub filled with rose petals. We don’t need to compare ourselves with unrealistic images of perfect situations. Let’s embrace the messy, sometimes chaotic reality of our real life & relationships.

Consider for a moment that self-care is not the same as “pampering” yourself. Self-care goes deeper. Self-care ensures that your emotional and physical health are being prioritize, with the aim of optimal health and happiness.

Since the pandemic started 18 months ago, we are experiencing a collective trauma: we’re all learning how to do this pandemic together, and self-care can seem like an overwhelming prospect.

One aspect of self-care is emotional self-care, specifically practicing self-regulation, so you manage big, uncomfortable feelings?

How do you practice self-regulation?

• Note your emotions, thoughts and physical reactions. How do you react when you’re stressed? you might notice you are clenching your jaw, or breathing more shallowly.
• Take a break. Collect your thoughts, calm down and express how you fee’ “I’m feeling upset at the moment and I cant be as calm as I would like in this conversation. So I’m going to sit in my bedroom and read for 10 minutes to give myself a chance to settle down.
• Exercise to reduce stress. Exercise has proven mood-boosting properties, and there are lots of fun ways to get the heart rate up.
• Practice mindfulness. Focus on what you are seeing and feeling in the moment without judgment. Take your thoughts into the present moment rather than worrying about the future events.

Is self-regulation part of your self-care?