Physical Self-Care (Reclaiming and Reconditioning) - Page 1 of 4

Physical Self-Care (Reclaiming and Reconditioning)

"Reclaiming and reconditioning" the physical body is a necessary step in our journey toward self-care and renewal. Without it, other aspects of life become increasingly difficult.

At it's most basic level, physical self-care involves eating the right kinds and amounts of foods, avoiding substances that are harmful to the body, getting sufficient rest and relaxation, and exercising on a regular basis to maintain fitness. Good grooming, engaging in recreation, and care of our environment are likewise "physical," as is assuring ourselves access to quality healthcare. At it's highest level, physical self-care can help us live in harmony with ourselves and with nature, a life goal which is often ignored within our Western society. To some, physical self-care is inexorably linked with their spiritual beliefs about their reflection of their creator.

All of these aspects of physical well-being contribute to a rich and satisfying life. We each have our own values and our own motivations for physical self-care and well-being.


Activities and Strategies for Physical Self-Care

Each of us arrive at this point of our journey with individual needs for physical self-care. No single activity or strategy will work exactly the same for any two given individuals. Yet we need someplace to start. To help you begin your progress toward physical self-care, we have compiled a list of activities on the next page which we hope will be of value to you. As you read through the list, you may discover that this is sort of like finding someone else's camping list. Some suggestions may seem universally obvious, others may seem irrelevant, while still others may seem like useful suggestions which you may not have thought of. Judge for yourself which activities may be helpful in your life and then take time to put them into place. Many of the suggestions include links, which are underlined, to other resources on the World Wide Web. Feel free to leave your path for a moment, engage in the activity, and then return as soon as you wish.