Feeling like you’ve got a flat battery? Productivity levels at an all-time low? Or just not in the mood to be in a good mood? It sounds like you need a little bit of self-care. But self-care isn’t something that you do once off, it’s a positive habit that you need to build into your routine.
Ready to give yourself some love? Find out what self-care really means and how you can ensure it becomes part of your lifestyle.
What Is Self-Care And Why Is It Important?
Self-care has become something of a buzzword in mental health circles recently. But although it’s become somewhat trendy, it’s actually regarded as the foundational level of healthcare and a key asset for global health.
Everything that has to do with maintaining physical health is considered self-care, including eating right, exercising, and getting medical attention when necessary. Self-care also includes all the actions you take to handle stress factors and to look after your own safety and wellness. From bubble baths to working out, seeing the doctor for that annoying niggle in your throat and steering clear of obvious risks – all of this counts as self-care!
Effortless Self-Care Tips You Can Implement In Your Routine
If your self-care routine is lacking, we’ve made it easier to get yourself on the right track. These 12 tips are low maintenance, but high reward and they don’t cost a fortune either.
1. Prioritize Spending Time Outdoors
Being outdoors comes with a huge number of health benefits, and the best part is, it’s free!
Spending time in nature reduces your stress levels, can give you a healthy dose of vitamin D, and gives you the chance to get some much-needed exercise. Even a short walk outdoors will make you feel better and get those endorphins flowing.
2. Try A New Balanced Diet
Eating the right food can recharge your body and mind, and it may even give your skin and overall appearance a boost. Your quality of life is intrinsically tied up in what you eat, and good food is called good for a reason!
Begin by balancing proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and by minimizing the highly processed foods and sweet meals. You don’t have to cut out sweet treats, but just be mindful of eating more good food than bad.
3. Implement A 5-minute Workout
Did you know that self-care exercise activities may be the cure for your grumpiness, fatigue, or depression? Even if you spend 5 minutes a day getting your heart rate up, it’s a good start. There is an abundance of online exercise programs you can use, or you can download an app that suits your needs. Small steps can lead to big results.
4. Meditate
One of the most enjoyable self-care practices is meditation as it harmonizes your physical and mental well-being.
While meditating, you reduce your stress levels, create a sense of self-awareness and security, and take care of the physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual components of self-care.
5. Put Comfort First
Walking is good, but let’s not forget about your comfort. Your entire body will feel better if you take proper care of your feet. Footwear and physical well-being are related, and this connection should never be ignored.
A pair of orthopedic sandals are the perfect solution for keeping your feet happy – and in turn, making you feel good too. Plus, they’re helpful not only in your typical everyday life but also during pregnancy. So, if you’re a mom-to-be who doesn’t know where to start on your self-care journey – start with your feet!
6. Reduce Stress
Stress puts a huge strain on our bodies and our energy levels. When we feel stressed all the time we can quickly run on empty.
Balance out your stress (because let’s face it, stress is something we can’t always avoid) with restorative activities. This may include going to the gym, practicing yoga or tai chi, playing music or reading, or simply hanging out with friends. Your energy levels will thank you for it.
7. Create An At-Home Spa
If you can’t get to a spa, then your next best option is to create your own at home. Light some candles, play soft music and fill your bath with bubbles, oil, or a luxurious bath bomb. Take the time to relax and unwind, and really pamper yourself. Pick one night a week that’s your spa night and make it a habit, not just an occasional treat.
8. Write In A Journal
Journaling for self-care is a fantastic technique to empower yourself in your everyday life.
Journaling has proven to have numerous health benefits, including managing anxiety, reducing stress and coping with depression. By putting your thoughts down in writing you can prioritize problems, face your fears, and recognize triggers that are causing you stress.
9. Get More Sleep
Never feel bad or lazy for scheduling sufficient downtime for sleep. Sleep is an excellent healer, and its restorative effects are undeniable.
If you’re lacking in sleep your body and mind suffer and you won’t be nearly as productive as if you were well-rested. Make sleeping 7-8 hours a night part of your self-care plan, and ensure you stick to it.
10. Watch Your Favorite Movies
Another wonderful form of self-care is watching movies. They can contribute to your relaxation, provide you with a little diversion from reality, and even improve your mood. You love certain movies for specific reasons, and spending time watching or rewatching them is a great way to recharge.
11. Try New Activities
Trying out new activities treats your brain and body to new experiences. It’s like giving yourself a small present and it’s the perfect method to maintain your motivation to take care of yourself.
Whether you use these new activities as a reward or as a way to feel more inspired, they can form an integral part of self-care. New stimulation helps you to grow and learn, and whether you’re painting pottery, making chocolate, or learning how to stand up paddleboard, it will all do you good.
12. Do More Of What Makes You Feel Good
Lastly, just do something that brings you joy! Being able to access that brighter, more optimistic frame of mind enables us to accomplish our goals and makes us more productive.
Everybody has a different idea of what bliss looks like, but no matter how you define it, we all want to be able to live stress-free, more content lives.
Make Time For You
Finding time for self-care can be challenging when the line between work and personal life becomes blurred or you’re endlessly busy. You may even feel that self-care is self-indulgent and that it isn’t a priority.
Stop right there! You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Your health is ultimately what matters most. Use these 12 tips to create a self-care routine that serves you well and ensure that your battery is always charged and your cup is more than half full!