Self-care has never been more important. Taking care of your physical and emotional needs is vital to a happy and productive life. Many people struggle with this because they feel guilty about focusing on their needs. However, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be in any position to care for others. If you struggle to incorporate self-care into your routine, try these techniques:
1. Savor Silence
Our world is full of notifications, televisions, computers, and everything else vying for our attention. Take a break from all the worldly distractions and find a spot where you can sit for a few minutes in silence. This brief respite will energize you.
2. Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep is when your body and mind rest, recharge and repair. Establishing a regular sleep routine will help ensure you get the best sleep possible. A quiet, dark room with a comfortable place to sleep is one of the best self-care gifts you can give yourself.
3. Take Time to Engage in Your Favorite Hobbies
When was the last time you sat down and did something just for pure joy? Reengaging with your favorite hobby is an excellent act of self-care. It doesn’t have to be for a long time, but make sure to fit it into your schedule regularly.
4. Have Lunch with a Friend
Spending time with people you care about is a great act of self-care. Spending time with old friends is a great way to boost your mood and recharge your energy. We all need a break from our day-to-day routine, and what better way than to spend it with a loved one.
5. Splurge on a Cleaner
A clean and uncluttered living space is one of the best feelings in the world. It takes hard work and effort, but it doesn’t have to be your effort. Think about hiring a cleaner occasionally. This will give you some extra time to focus on something more important.
6. Keep a Journal
Hashing out your thoughts and feelings in writing can be cathartic. Don’t worry about punctuation or grammar. Just jot down your thoughts. This is especially helpful when you feel overwhelmed or have a big decision.
7. Honor Your Mind & Body
Taking better care of yourself can often feel like work, but everything you do will come easier when you have a healthy mind and body. Make sure you are eating right and getting enough physical activity.
8. Pamper Yourself
Who doesn’t love a spa day? Take some time to spoil yourself occasionally. Get a massage, luxuriate in a hot bath, sip on your favorite drink while you get your nails done. Do whatever it takes to relax and make yourself feel special.
9. Forgive Yourself
We have all made mistakes and bad decisions and failed in other ways. It is time to forgive yourself for all of that and move on. You might not be happy with where you are in life, but beating yourself up for it will make it impossible to move forward.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
- Sit down with a warm beverage and your calendar. Look for areas to add some free time.
- Sit in silence for 10 minutes. Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on being in the moment, not your never-ending to-do list.
- Clean out a shelf in your refrigerator, on your bookcase, or in your medicine cabinet. Take this tiny step to reclaim a cluttered home that overwhelms you.
FURTHER READING
- The Little Book of Self-Care
- A Year of Self-Care
- The Art of Extreme Self-Care Revised Edition
- The Extremely Busy Woman’s Guide to Self-Care:
- The ABCs of Self-Care
