Taking good care of yourself can help you feel more resilient and be better able to deal with the stressors in your life. Self care can take many forms, but it’s important to find what works for you and stick with it.
Eating less sugary food can be self-care, but obsessively cutting back on it could make you feel deprived. Here are some expert-approved tips for making it work for you.
1. Exercise
Exercise is a great way to boost energy levels, increase moods and reduce anxiety. It can also help you get better sleep.
It doesn’t have to be expensive – bodyweight exercises, such as pushups or squats, are a great option for self care. You can do them at home or at the office.
Self-care can be a bit of a trial and error process until you find what works for you.
2. Eat Healthy
Self care can be as simple as a bubble bath, yoga or meditation session, music, indulging in your favorite hobby, or even healthy meal prep. This helps you stay in balance and provides your body with all the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.
Getting enough restful sleep and reducing stress are also important aspects of self care. It is crucial to prioritize these activities so that you can feel your best every day!
3. Sleep
A good night’s sleep is arguably the most important self care tip of all. Getting enough sleep can boost your mood, immunity, focus and workout recovery. Sleeping well also helps prevent accidents – drowsy driving and medical errors are often the result of poor sleep habits.
Establish a bedtime and wake up routine to support sleep quality. Ensure a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment.
5. Take a Bath or Shower
It’s important to take a shower or bath daily for your hygiene and skin health. This helps to keep you clean and healthy, which can give you a more positive self image.
Showers are better for getting you clean, as they evenly distribute water over the whole body and efficiently mix with soap to break apart oils, sweat and dirt.
However, baths can strip the body of natural oils that it needs, which isn’t good for the skin.
6. Spend Time With Friends
Most people think of self care as a solo activity, but it can also be fun and relaxing to spend time with friends. Self-care with friends can be a great way to connect and make new memories.
Take your bestie to a local coffee shop for some quiet conversation and a delicious cup of coffee. You can even treat yourselves to a dessert or two!
7. Talk to Someone
Self care can be anything that improves your physical, emotional, mental or spiritual health. Some common self-care practices include sleeping, exercise, eating healthy, and spending time with friends.
Another important aspect of self care is being able to communicate your needs to those who matter most in your life, including your partner. Having healthy communication skills can help prevent resentment and anger outbursts.
8. Get a Massage
Self care often seems luxurious and indulgent – think bubble baths, facials and trips to the spa. But these things can be expensive, time-consuming and not fully realistic for many people. Instead, try incorporating simple self-massage into your daily routine. Studies show that physical touch can reduce stress and boost hormones like oxytocin. A quick back rub or shoulder massage can do wonders.
9. Take a Bath or Shower
Showers are better at getting you clean because they evenly distribute water over your body and whisk contaminated water away. Plus, your soap and body wash will help to break apart oils, sweat and dirt that’s been clinging to your skin all day.
Bathing is also a great way to relax and unwind. So sit back, enjoy some music or a good book and take some time for yourself.
10. Do Something You Love
In these extra-stressful times, it’s important to spend your time doing something you love. Whether it’s listening to uplifting podcasts, reading positive affirmations or meditation, doing the things you love helps you feel happier and healthier.
Self care can look different for everyone, and may require a bit of trial and error. But it’s worth the effort to keep your mind and body healthy.