Respawn & Recharge: What is Self Care in a Game Store

According to the NIH “Self care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Self care refers to a deliberate and conscious practice of taking actions to preserve or improve one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves making choices and engaging in activities that promote health, reduce stress, and contribute to overall life satisfaction. Self care is a fundamental aspect of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Self care can take various forms, and it's highly individualized as different people find comfort and rejuvenation in different activities.

Did you know? According to Stoewen, DL there are 8 aspects to self care: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, vocational, financial, and environmental. 

Here is a quick look at what each of those categories are and in the next couple weeks you will learn how these categories relate to gaming. 

Physical:

• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Healthy eating habits and nutrition
• Sufficient sleep and rest

Intellectual:

• Practicing mindfulness and meditation
• Setting and maintaining boundaries
• Taking breaks and allowing time for relaxation

Emotional:

• Identifying and expressing emotions in a healthy way
• Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals
• Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment

Social:

• Nurturing positive relationships
• Spending time with loved ones
• Participating in social activities that bring joy

Spiritual:

• Engaging in activities that align with personal beliefs and values
• Spending time in nature or engaging in reflective practices

Vocational:

• Balancing work and personal life
• Setting realistic goals and expectations
• Seeking professional development and growth opportunities

Financial:

• Budgeting
• Mindful Spending

Environmental:

• Sustainable Practices
• Connection with Nature
• Reduce Carbon Footprint

The essence of self care lies in recognizing the importance of one's own well-being and making intentional choices to foster a healthy and fulfilling life. It's not a one-size-fits-all concept, and individuals may need to experiment with various activities to discover what works best for them. Regular self care is essential for managing stress, preventing burnout, and promoting long-term health and happiness.

That is really a pretty simple answer. I believe strongly that self care contributes to a better and longer life. More than that though, I believe in the community that we are building at and around the store. I believe that the community we are building is, in and of itself, a great source of self care, but also of friendships and memories. If I can share any thoughts that help grow this community, then this entire endeavor is worth it. Check back with us next week to see why I care so much about this!