bdsmlibraryxo:

We always talk about how important aftercare is, but do you know about self care? It is exactly as it sounds, taking time to make sure all of your sense of self (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social, occupational, environmental, and financial).

PHYSICAL
Have you taken your pills and vitamins for the day? Have you tried to walk around for at least 10-45 minutes? If you can’t walk because if health, have you tried moving your body parts that can move? Have you taken your eyes off of your device (playstation, Xbox, phone, laptop, etc) besides to go to the bathroom or eat? Have you taken a few deep breaths? Have you gotten something to drink that isn’t an energy drink? Have you stretched your limbs? Have you gotten enough sleep (or taken enough naps?)? Have you taken care of any injuries? (bruises, cuts, welts, etc)? Are you being safe with sex, if you partake in sex? Are you allowing proper time for foreplay, if you have sex? When was the last time you washed yourself? Contrary to popular belief, you DO NOT need to wash every single day. Have you taken a good bath or shower with espon salts (and/or essential oils?)

Lots of potentially bad things can happen without proper self care for your physical self. This includes, but is not limited to: pregnancy, injuries, development of disorders, body parts hurting (like eyes from staring screen too long), deterioration of hygiene, poor mental response time, etc.

EMOTIONAL
Have you smiled? Have you laughed? Studies show these are natural mood boosters (as well as chocolate if you’re not allergic or diabetic). Have you had clear communication with your relationships? Have you treated someone with the respect and tact they deserve (and have they treated you as such?). Have you volunteered to do something? Have you told yourself you’re a bad ass today? Have you done the super girl pose in the mirror for 20 seconds today? (this is one of the poses proven to boost self confidence you can find it on a Ted talks!). Have you gone minimum to no contact with people who only say negative things? Have you removed yourself from toxic social media groups that spread negativity? Have you stopped following blogs/people/etc that just spread nastiness(i. E. Being a jerk?)

Not taking emotional self care can lead to possible mental health troubles, relationship troubles, unstable moods, possibly be more susceptible to dangerous situations, among other things

INTELLECTUAL
Have you read a book, news article, or something new today, outside of your usual habits? (social media, blog reading, newspapers, magazines, etc). Have you had an intellectually stimulating conversation with someone? Have you gotten into a respectful debate about a debatable subject? (politics, abortion, religion, gun rights, etc?). Have you looked up a science or medical news article today? Have you turned on the news today?

Not taking care of your intellectual self can lead to memory problems, a lower Reaction time, among other issues.

MENTAL
Have you taken deep breaths? Have you read an article about mental health care? Have you examined your relationships from a logical point of view? Have you given your brain a chance to relax today? Have you partaken into aromatherapy or other measures to keep your anxiety at a manageable level? (adult coloring books are great!)

Not taking care of your mental health can affect every aspect of your body.

SPIRITUAL
IF YOU ARE SPIRITUAL OR RELIGIOUS!
Have you prayed lately? Have you spoken to someone about religion, for either religious OR academic purposes? Have you read a religious text outside of your personal religious beliefs (I. E. Christian reading the Quran). Have you healthly questioned your faith? Have you asked why your faith might see something as bad?

Not taking proper care of your spiritual self can lead to anxiety and depressed moods.

SOCIAL

Have you said hello to a stranger? Have you smiled at a stranger? Have you tried to expand your social circle? Have you treated individuals with respect? Have you been treated with respect? Do you feel safe around the individuals you involve yourself with? Are you afraid of anyone you hang around with? Have you cut out negative people in your life?

Not taking proper social self care can lead to isolation, self esteem risks, and issue with self confidence.

OCCUPATIONAL

Have you interacted with co-workers? Have you been pleasant with your customers? Are you relatively happy at your job? Have you dealt with your job frustrations in a healthy way? Have you been harassed at your job? Have you been targeted for biases and prejudice at your job? Do you know who to speak to if you feel uncomfortable or not in control? Does your company know about Safe Space training? Does it advocate LGBT+ rights? Does it advocate any of the months awareness (Domestic violence, stalking, health, etc).

Not taking proper self care with the occupational side can lead to multiple potential issues, like drowsiness, brain fog, physical injury, and feeling like you lose motivation (not limited to these). 

ENVIRONMENTAL

Have you recycled lately? Have you gone outside to take in some fresh air? Do you live or work in  a place with something alive in it? (fish, plants, etc?). Do you live or work in a place with the sound of running water? (fountain, spiritual structure, etc?). Do you try to pick up litter when possible? Do you try not to litter? Do you know if your water is actually safe to drink? Have you planted a plant anywhere? Are you aware of local environmental concerns?  *Remember, we only have one Earth, treat her with respect!*

FINANCIAL

Are you dependent or semi-dependent on anyone? Do you have any anxiety about your money situation? Do you have a job or something to help supplement income? Have you come up with alternative ways to make ends meet (such as giving someone an art piece you made in trade for a service?). Are you in debt? Do you spend too much on credit cards? Do you spend too much online? Do you have an emergency fund for when you’re in any kind of trouble? 

Not taking care of proper financial self care can lead to being in debt and higher levels of anxiety.