Life is pretty stressful, no matter what you do. Even if you just got that big promotion you were hoping for, you’re still dealing with anxiety and stress. We get it, though. A lot of people don’t have the time, (or money!) to go for a full pampering session at the spa or an impromptu vacation. But that’s not an excuse to neglect yourself. A little self-care will go a long way, and it’ll help you stay centered, healthy, and oh-so happy!
Go On A Social Media Cleanse
The second we wake up, we’re on social media. Even when we’re eating breakfast, we find ourselves mindlessly scrolling through our news feeds. And after 10 or 15 minutes, we’re back again, refreshing our feeds to see if we missed anything. Social media can be highly addictive and time-consuming. Plus, so much of what we read online can have a pretty negative effect on our self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Next time you read a post that makes you want to go on a Twitter rant, just hit unfollow! Fill your social media with positivity and cleanse your accounts of the negative toxicity. And if you’re feeling up for it, take a few weekends off to unplug yourself.
Stay Hydrated By Drinking Water
This one’s pretty straight forward. Whatever you do, don’t forget to drink your water. It’s one of the easiest (and most important) ways to practice self-care. Start tracking your water intake and your body will thank you for it. Seriously, who doesn’t want clear skin and more energy (plus like a million other benefits)? Next time you’re out to eat, skip the Coke and order a bottle of water. It’ll save you money and keep you hydrated.
Take A Little Time To Take Care Of Your Skin
Skincare can be as complex or as simple as you make it! But anyone can get beautiful and healthy-looking skin by changing a few habits. Going on a skincare regime is a great way to feel good about yourself. Whether you take a second to treat those tired hands with some moisturizer before bedtime or you treat yourself to a facial, taking time to care for your skin can make you feel brand new every single day.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Setting boundaries with your coworkers, friends, and loved ones is a very important aspect of self-care. Know your limits and get used to the idea of saying “no” every once in a while. When we don’t set boundaries, our schedules become unmanageable, and we end up stressing out big time.
Go To Bed At A Certain Time
Knowing your bedtime is key. You know that “tired-you” isn’t the best you! Figure out how much sleep you need in order to be your best self the next day. Once you know how many hours you’ll need, you have to try to stick to that time. Stop dozing off during your morning meetings and get on a good sleeping cycle! Your mind and body will appreciate you setting a bedtime and keeping that routine.
Take A Break From The Seriousness Of Life
Caring for yourself also includes taking a break from the many stressors of daily life. Take the time to get together with friends, go to the movie theater, read a funny article, watch a video, or play board games with a friend. Take the opportunity to let yourself genuinely laugh and watch your stress melt away.
Take 5 Minutes To Light A Candle
Grab that book you haven’t had enough time to finish. Put on your coziest sweatpants and light a candle. It’s pretty unreal how a single vanilla-scented candle can take away your stress! Lavender and eucalyptus are great stress relievers, too. The owner of Flourishing Hope Counseling, Angel Hoodye, is a firm believer in scent-infused self-care: “Pop a roll-on of aromatherapy oil in your purse or spritz yourself with your favorite body spray and bust out the house.”
Take Breaks From Your Computer
Let’s face it! We’re all guilty of spending too much time online. How many hours do you actually spend in front of your computer? You can’t really answer that, can you? We love our computers to bits, but in order to improve your mood, health, and even your posture, you need to make sure to take breaks from technology. And yes, that includes your computer, laptop, tablet, and even your phone!
Make Sure To Exercise
Some of us love it, some us hate it. But it doesn’t really matter whether you’re a gym junk or a couch potato. You can’t deny how good it feels to get your body moving and your heart pumping (and how good it feels when you’re done!) Taking the time to exercise is great self-care for mind, body, and soul.
Just Breathe
Sure, everyone breathes. It’s not something you even do consciously. But try breathing more mindfully as a means to calm yourself. Learning how to breathe properly will help you soothe yourself. Next time you’re in the midst of a stressful situation or experiencing anxiety, try intentionally taking a few deep breaths. If that doesn’t work, practice alternate nostril breathing. This will slow your heart rate and give you the opportunity to have a moment for yourself.
Do Absolutely Nothing
Let’s get real for a minute. Can you honestly remember when it was the last time you did absolutely nothing and actually enjoyed it? We get it. You’re too busy adulting. Between work, errands, cooking, and going to the gym, you barely have time to kick back and relax on the couch. It might seem like a strange idea at first, but a great way to practice self-care is to schedule “doing nothing” on your busy agenda and actually take the time to honor that commitment. It’ll help your mind relax and unwind from the stress of everyday life.
I am Camila – Serial tea drinker. Professional wig snatcher. Content creator and video script writer who may or may not be John Leguizamo’s body double. If you don’t like where you are, move. You’re not a tree.
