When self-care [1] comes to mind, many of us may associate the practice with baths, naps, and yoga. And while those are definitely a few ways to address your needs, self-care encompasses far more than that. In fact, according to the self-care wheel created by trauma prevention expert Olga Phoenix [2], self-care includes six parts that are vital to managing stress and achieving happiness and life satisfaction.

"I originally designed the self-care wheel for me, personally, as a tool to get to that seemingly unattainable place of life balance, meaning, and contentment," Olga told POPSUGAR. "It is an empowering, affirming, and positive tool, comprised of six dimensions: physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, personal, and professional. Each dimension represents a part of our lives which requires our daily attention."

Effectively practising self-care requires making sure the needs of each of the wheel's dimensions are met with meaning, and evaluating which areas still need improvement. Check out a breakdown along with examples of how you can work on your mind, body, spirit, and beyond. And keep scrolling to see the wheel in full!

Physical

• Exercise
• Sleep
• Unplug
• Eat healthy
• Be sexual
• Get regular medical checkups

Psychological

• Go to therapy
• Journal
• Self-reflect
• Relax
• Ask for help
• Do something creative

Emotional

• Laugh
• Find a hobby
• Practice self-love
• Cry
• Forgive
• Cuddle with your pet

Spiritual

• Spend time outdoors
• Meditate
• Volunteer
• Practice yoga
• Pray
• Get inspired

Personal

• Create a vision board
• Get out of debt
• Establish goals
• Spend time with loved ones
• Learn who you are
• Cook

Professional

• Leave work at work
• Take holiday, sick, and mental health days
• Plan your next career move
• Take lunches
• Avoid working during days off
• Learn to say no

Image Source: Olga Phoenix