It’s quickly become the buzzword of the 21st century and for good reason. Here are 25 ways you can practice self-care.
Psychologists describe self-care as anything that you do to look after your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Quite often, we neglect our self-care needs due to our increasingly busy and digital lifestyles, but it’s super important to build and regularly incorporate a self-care ritual into your life and trust us on this, doing so will make the world of difference to your health and outlook.
Did you know that some of the most successful people in the world all have their own self-care rituals? Beyoncé says that she once took a year out to focus on her health and regularly uses meditation, acupuncture, visualisation and exercise in her self-care regime. Prince Harry says that he meditates daily in order to look after his mental health.
We recommend setting aside a regular amount of time each week to self-care and after a few weeks of doing it, it’ll become a habit and much easier to stick to. The great thing about self-care is that it doesn’t have to be super fancy or complicated in order to be effective and different things work better for different people. So give some of our suggestions a go and feel free to leave yours in the comment section below!
1. Take a day off… from everything
Turn off your phone. Put your work away. Erase your to-do list from your mind. Have a day where absolutely nothing is expected of you.
2. De-clutter
Clutter that we don’t need can make us feel stressed. Take the advice of “tidy space, tidy mind” and clear out anything you don’t need.
3. Write stuff down
Make a note of your achievements, goals and wandering thoughts. You might find relief when you release it from your mind onto a piece of paper.
4. Enjoy your favourite things
Read your favourite book, eat the food you love, watch the TV series you are addicted too. Do things that are just for you without guilt.
5. Meditate
Being present in your body is one of the best ways you can care for it. Take time to notice any aches and pains you have been ignoring.
6. Open up
If something is on your mind that you are struggling to deal with alone, share it with someone. You may find the problem eases when it’s shared. We’re here if you want to share with us.
7. Unfollow people on social media
Remove people from your life that make you feel any kind of negativity. It’s simple, but it’s a way of looking after yourself online.
8. Go for a walk
Fresh air has so many benefits that we just don’t consider. Spending some time outdoors will help clear your mind.
9. Remove judgement
Simply allowing certain thoughts to exist without being negative towards them is a way to be kinder to yourself.
10. Spending time alone
When you’re aways with others you spend a lot of time being mindful of other people. Take time where you only think of yourself.
11. Say no
Turning things down is a way of recognising what you need. Just by saying no you have taken steps to put yourself first.
12. Give yourself a treat
Whether it’s a bath, a chocolate bar or a new item of clothing, get something that celebrates you.
13. Make a new playlist
Music is a great way to unwind. Put together a list of songs that instantly make you feel calm.
14. Create a mood diary
Keep track of the way that you feel. You will become more aware of how you can look after yourself better.
15. Try something new
Giving something different a go is a great way to find more of what you love. This will mean you have more to turn to when you need self-care.
16. Create a cosy space
Light some candles, grab blankets and play soft music. You will be able to relax easier in a calm space.
17. Do something productive
Write a list, cook some food or tidy up. Being productive is a great way to put our minds at ease.
18. Call an old friend
It’s normal for life to get in the way and for you to lose touch with people. Reach out to someone you miss and feel the comfort that they offer.
19. Get organised
Organise your drawers, set goals and make plans. Setting everything out in front of you will allow your mind to rest.
20. Find a change of scenery
If you feel stuck in a particular mindset, changing your environment might help. Go somewhere new and see a different perspective.
21. Be active
Release some endorphins and you will find that your mood lifts naturally. Plus your body will feel better for it too.
22. Have a nap
It’s hard to see things clearly when we are tired. Allow yourself to take some time to rest and refresh.
23. Dance
Move in your bedroom, down the street or in the shower. It doesn’t matter how, as long as you let your body just move how it wants to.
24. Read/watch something funny
Sometimes it’s tough to lift our mood by ourselves. Tune into something, like a funny YouTube clip that you know can help do it for you.
25. Do something for others
Self-care doesn’t always have to be about ourselves. Often caring for others is the route to our own happiness.
