We all live in extra-stressful times. That’s why it’s important to have a solid self-care routine.
Ideally, your self-care practices should leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized, not depleted.
There are many different methods of practicing better self care, including mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Set Goals
Having self-care goals is important for maintaining your mental health, improving your productivity at work by avoiding burnout, and establishing a harmonious balance between your personal life and professional life. Goals can be anything from exercising every day to getting more sleep or setting a bedtime routine.
When creating your goals, consider using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). This will make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated.
Create a Routine
Developing and maintaining healthy habits and routines is a big part of practicing self care. But it’s important to find a self-care routine that makes sense for your personal lifestyle.
Avoid following trendy trends and sticking to the self-care routine that everyone else is doing. Instead, stick to rituals that fill up your emotional cup and make you feel deeply good.
It’s also important to choose activities that can be easily incorporated into your schedule. Ideally, you’d want to include them in your routine daily so they become a habit.
Take Care of Yourself
Self-care practices can be as simple as a micro habit, such as setting a reminder to eat and drink water. These habits can prevent the all-out burnout that often occurs when stressors pile up.
Like the advice you get on airplanes to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, you can’t help others if you’re struggling. A healthy routine is a crucial first step to caring for yourself well.
This doesn’t mean getting manicures and soaking in the tub, but instead, anything that improves your physical or mental health. Examples include:
Get Outdoors
Getting outside can be a wonderful way to relax and refresh. Spending time surrounded by nature’s beauty can help boost your mood and immune system, making it one of the best self care habits.
Taking a stroll in the park, observing birds or trees in the garden, and even watching the sunset can be simple outdoor activities that promote better wellness. Try incorporating these activities into your routine to reap their benefits:
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for your health and wellbeing. Although a one-off restless night doesn’t have much impact on most people, consistently not sleeping enough can make you feel irritable and below par the next day, increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, and contribute to obesity, diabetes and depression. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night and stick to a schedule, including on weekends. Keep your bedroom quiet and comfortable and avoid using electronic devices before bed.
Say No
Saying no is a key component of self care. Learning how to say no can help you protect your mental and physical energy, prioritize self care, and set boundaries. It is important to remember that saying no does not mean being rude or selfish.
Saying yes to too many things can lead to lack of sleep, stress, and burnout. Practice saying no and be sure to listen to your intuition. People will most likely respect your decision.