Introduction
Connection is a strong emotional link between two or more people, places, or things. It helps us to form relationships, build trust, and create a sense of belonging. It can be experienced through physical touch, conversation, shared experiences, and ideas and beliefs (Court, 2022). This link can be experienced in various ways and can help create a sense of harmony and balance in our lives. The connection can also help us feel supported and more connected to the world, resulting in increased self-esteem, improved mental health, and a greater sense of purpose (Grise-Owens et al., 2016). In essence, this emotional link is an essential part of self-care, as it allows us to be more present in our lives and to take time to appreciate the people and things around us.
Connection in a Holistic and Healthy Way
I feel connected holistically and healthily when I am in balance. Balance is a state of equilibrium, where one neither overdoes nor underdoes any life activities (Court, 2022). It is achieved when I attend to physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health needs. For instance, my daily routine entails taking time for myself by going for a walk, meditating, or doing yoga. This helps to keep grounded and mindful of the present experience. Spending quality time with loved ones, talking, laughing, and sharing experiences also helps me feel connected in an all-around and healthy manner.
Furthermore, maintaining a balance by interacting with others enables me to feel healthily connected. This feeling also happens when taking care of important tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and running errands. It helps me feel organized and in control of my life. Moreover, doing something creative and inspiring daily, such as writing, painting, or playing music, helps bring joy and possibility into my life. In essence, I can feel linked comprehensively and positively by making time to partake in events that bring harmony to my life. I can feel anchored, connected, and invigorated because of this equilibrium. It supports my ability to live in the now and handle life’s difficulties with grace and resiliency.
Making Intentional Connections
To be more intentional with each connection, one can create a self-care plan that includes daily connection through prayer, meditation, or a walk in nature. For example, suppose one is looking to create a more mindful connection with their spiritual side. In that case, they could begin by incorporating prayer, meditation, and readings of sacred texts into their daily routine (Court, 2022). This could be done in the morning or evening, depending on one’s schedule and preference. Additionally, walking in nature can provide an opportunity for reflection, peace, and relaxation. It could be done in a park, lake, or woods (Grise-Owens et al., 2016). Ultimately, taking a few moments to appreciate the beauty that nature can provide can be a great way to reconnect with oneself and the world around them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, no matter how one creates intentional connections, it is important to remember to be flexible and mindful of not being too hard on oneself. It is sometimes difficult to maintain a self-care plan, which is okay. Finding the balance that works best for an individual is most important. Therefore, being patient and gentle with oneself is essential while creating a self-care plan tailored to one’s needs.
References
Court, P. (2022). Connection to others: Social connection, relationship maintenance, the monitoring of others. Psychologist’s Guide to Adolescents and Social Media, 121-131. Web.
Grise-Owens, E., Miller, J., Eaves, M. (2016). The A-to-Z self-care handbook for social workers and other helping professionals. Liberty University.