Love Yourself Well: A Valentine's Guide to Whole-Person Self-Care

Self‑care is the practice of intentionally making time to nurture your mind, body, and soul. It includes the habits, routines, and lifestyle choices that support your overall well‑being. Understanding the different dimensions of wellness can help you build a balanced, sustainable approach to caring for yourself.

Eight Wellness Dimensions

• Physical: Recognizing the need for movement, nutrition, sleep, and overall physical health.
• Financial: Feeling satisfied with your current and future financial situation.
• Social: Building meaningful connections, belonging, and a supportive network.
• Emotional: Coping effectively with life’s challenges and cultivating healthy relationships.
• Spiritual: Deepening your sense of purpose, values, and meaning in life.
• Intellectual: Engaging your creativity and expanding your knowledge and skills.
• Environmental: Supporting your well‑being by spending time in safe, pleasant, and stimulating environments.
• Occupational: Finding fulfillment, purpose, and enrichment in your work.

Think of these eight dimensions as the spokes of a wheel. When they’re balanced, the wheel rolls smoothly. When one area is neglected, the ride becomes bumpier. The Wellness Wheel assessment can help you identify your core values and set meaningful goals for each dimension.

The Benefits of Self‑Care

Self‑care can lead to powerful improvements in your overall health, including:

• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Lower stress levels and greater resilience
• Increased happiness and energy
• Less burnout
• Stronger, healthier relationships

Finding Your Personal Self‑Care Approach

Self‑care isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. The most effective approach begins with understanding what you need—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and then taking intentional steps to meet those needs. Your self‑care journey is uniquely yours, and Valentine’s Day is a reminder to treat yourself with the same compassion and care you offer others.

Article Sources:

World Health Organization; Self-Care for health and well-being; April 26, 2024.

University of New Hampshire Extension; Wellness Wheel Assessment.

by Joy Miller, Family and Consumer Wellness Agent, 2026