It is easy to overlook learning and creativity as methods of self-care. However, nurturing our psyche is a vital component of one’s self-care routine. The growth that takes place while cultivating this domain has enormous benefits on overall well-being. The key is following your curiosity and seeking opportunities for creativity or learning that appeal to you. With self-reflection, you are certain to find avenues to explore.
Fueled by curiosity, nurturing the psychological domain can become quite fun and often engrossing! Bonus: as you enthusiastically engage in active learning, your child will consequently develop a love of learning from watching you. Let’s take a look at some simple, cost-friendly ways of approaching this method of self-care.
Books and Puzzles
So, this one seems obvious, right? Again, when selecting a book, the key is to focus on a topic that truly interests you. Perhaps you like gardening, or maybe history. Are you a fiction fanatic craving a compelling story? Similarly, crossword puzzles, word searches, sudokus, and jigsaw puzzles are excellent mental methods of self-care. Reading a chapter of your book or working on a puzzle before drifting to sleep can be quite relaxing.
Approaching intellectual growth via this route is non-restrictive and can be undertaken in short bursts of time. Additionally, these activities cost little to no money. Utilizing a public library or thrift store can provide you with multiple inexpensive options to broaden your mental horizons. Lastly, you can include your children. By reading “fun facts” or trivia books aloud or assembling puzzles together, you are spending time with your child while also growing and caring for yourself.
Get Artsy
If you’re not a reader, perhaps you would enjoy creating some artwork. Allow your imagination to run, freeing yourself from the mundane practices of day-to-day living. If you were to sit down and work on an art project, what would it be? Would you paint a colorful abstract? Perhaps you enjoy drawing; maybe crafts. Photography is another way to express yourself via observation. Creating a collage of family photos or something special is a way to showcase your creativity while also engaging in recalling positive memories. Encourage your child to create a masterpiece and share why you each selected your specific medium and what it personally means to you both. Using art as a method of nurturing your psychological domain provides limitless options to create. As you gently care for yourself through creativity, you are also exercising your cognitive processes.
Workshops and Seminars
This method of intellectual growth is more traditional in nature, providing you with information on the topic of your choice. Higher education is wonderful for some but not always accessible; especially for working mothers with children to care for. However, communities often offer workshops on relevant topics. Great places to look for relevant workshops and learning activities are libraries, recreation centers, and the YMCA. These centers place value on the family and home life and offer courses that can be especially beneficial to parents. Another great factor to consider is the social interaction you will gain by attending in-person events. These options are often low-cost or free.
If scheduled or in-person learning is out of reach, you might consider watching a TEDx Talk. The multitude of topics covered make it difficult to decide on just one talk! A benefit of watching TEDx Talks is that you can do this anytime with an internet connection. Many of us have access to the internet via our cellular devices. However, if you find yourself with limited internet, libraries have computers with access available. While you are there, you might consider perusing the books for an interesting read for yourself and your child.
Wrapping it Up
Caring for our psychological domain is a vital aspect of self-care. It is through this process that we learn more about ourselves and the world around us. Through imagination and dedication, you are certain to joyfully incorporate this form of self-care into your routine. If you are still wondering where to begin, check out the resources below for further guidance and information. Let your curiosity guide you!
Resources
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/texshare/libsearch/