Social self-care is a self-care practice that focuses on one’s sense of identity, belonging, and involvement. We can practice social self-care practices across various social circles that we are a part of. Social circles are groups that we identify with and they include family friends, acquaintances, neighbours, colleagues, and other networking groups. So what are social self-care practices?
CONNECTIONS
Be it even during socially distanced times, social connections have a direct impact on one’s emotional and physical well being. People who have extensive social support networks have lower rates of anxiety and improved quality of life. Maintaining social connections can come in the form of scheduled catch up times with people in your social circles, be it online using a form of social media or offline over a fun activity.
One can make new connections by making friends. Making new friends as an adult can be challenging but reaching out to individuals with shared experiences such as parenting, fitness, or activities are ways to make new personal connections. Being a part of a professional support group such as Her Second Innings, signing up for skill upgrade classes, and seeking out mentors and mentees are ways to create new professional connections.
BOUNDARIES
Healthy social self-care practice includes the way one sets boundaries in relationships. Setting boundaries is knowing what behaviors are acceptable and not acceptable to you in each of your relationships. Learning to communicate your thoughts instead of assuming, learning to say a No to unreasonable requests, and making yourself a priority are ways to set boundaries. Though setting boundaries might seem rude to start with, it ensures that you end up with caring and respectful relationships, thereby creating strong and lasting relationships.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Social self-care practices are not just about taking something for self but also about giving back to one’s social circles. Volunteering, a manner of giving back to the community, doubles up as a way to build new connections. If you are not clear about where to volunteer, you can start small in an area that you are most passionate about. Reach out to a local NGO and ask for open opportunities to volunteer or take up something on our own like teaching or a cleanup drive. There is a wide range of skills one can hone while volunteering such as adaptability, improved interpersonal skills, while at the same time feeling a sense of achievement.
Practices that help us build and maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves make us available to receive the best of what the world has to offer us. You are worthy of love and care. Go ahead, give yourselves permission to make self-care practices a habit, and find your bloom in all areas of your lives.
The author of this blog is Jennifer Moses, a Psychotherapist with a private practice. She is also a trainer, supervisor and counsellor at Prerana Academy, a Center for training and counselling in Bangalore and a Coach at HerSecondInnings, a platform to support woman professionals on a sabbatical.
Disclaimer : This blog originally appeared on HerSecondInnings.com.Her Second Innings is a platform to support women professionals on a sabbatical in their journey of getting back to work.
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