Everyone seems to be talking about self-care nowadays but do we understand what it really means?
I used to have a wrong idea of what self-care is. I thought it meant taking bubble baths (which I’m actually not a big fan of), lighting candles and treating yourself to a spa day. But then everyone started talking about it and I realized that self-care is a lot more complex than that.
Self-care is everything you do to nurture your mind and body. Yes, it might be taking a long bubble bath, but also going to your favorite restaurant or taking the time to practice a hobby you love. And doing it mindfully.
Self-care can be something different for everyone.
For me, it can be writing in my gratitude journal every night before bed, spending some time alone, or buying myself some flowers. It’s all the little things you do to treat yourself. It’s about knowing yourself and what you appreciate. Taking five minutes to do something you love might be exactly what you need to in order to go through a stressful and overwhelming day.
Mental health is as important as physical health. Listen to your mind and know when it needs to rest. We rush through life without taking the time to actually live in the present or count our blessings.
Do you ever schedule time for yourself?
I don’t. I tell myself I’m too busy for that and I’ll do it later. The truth is, I’m not that busy.
We often have the misconception that self-care takes a lot of time and effort when in reality it can only take five minutes. When we give that excuse, is probably when we needed it the most.
It is important to slow down, notice how you’re feeling, and do something for yourself.
We often feel guilty or selfish for taking the time to ourselves but the truth is that before we can help others, we need to help ourselves first.
Make self-care a daily habit.
Incorporate little self-care habits into your daily life by paying attention to your mind and body. Take time today to do something you love. Read a book, dance around the house to your favorite song, eat ice cream while binge-watching your favorite tv-show, go to the movies by yourself or with someone you love, treat yourself to something on your wishlist. Take five minutes and go do something that makes you happy.
Self-care is also about recognizing our strengths and embracing our weaknesses. It is about being authentic and present. It is about being gentle and taking care of yourself. Daily.
31 Small Ways To Make Self-Care A Daily Practice
With that in mind, I came up with 31 self-care ideas. Most of these are quite simple, things we can do daily in no more than five minutes. Make sure to schedule some time for self-care throughout the day and I promise you, you will notice the difference it makes in your wellbeing.
Of course, this is my version of self-care. Keep in mind that it is not the same for everyone. You have to find what works for you and I challenge you to create your own list of 31 ways to practice self-care and go do them.
I never thought of self care as an essential part of being healthy, but since going to college, I’ve realized how self care, or the lack of, can greatly impact your overall health and quality of life. Great post!
– Katrina | http://www.hellayoung.com
I do some of these as well!
-Meditate for 10 minutes
-binge on TV shows
-read a book
-seek some sort of therapy – psych or acupuncture
What I would love to do (or do more of):
-start a gratitude journal
-turn off all electronics
-go for a walk outside
-buy myself flowers
https://ariannecruz07.wixsite.com/ayre
Those are all great self-care ideas! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Ayre 🙂 I never tried any kind of therapy but I’ve been really curious about it lately. x
I think it’s a very important topic and I agree with your point of view. if we don’t take any time for ourselves we can end up really tired and frustrated and it’s no joke. it’s not hard for me to not use social media for example but it is hard to just sit, relax and do nothing while I know I actually have like thousands of things to do. for example the situation with my clothes. can you believe I still haven’t fixed it?! I really want to but the lack of free time and good old procrastination always stop me from doing it. I know I have to get myself together because afterwards it’s going to feel great! by the way, one thing that definitely is good for relaxation is gardening, going to your own little greenhouse and picking your own cucumbers and tomatoes! and making a fresh salad out of them!
ps. I’ve left replies to your comments/questions under my posts 🙂
Maiken – Part of me
I can definitely relate to not being able to simply sit and do nothing. Even doing one thing at a time. The other day I was baking and felt weird only doing that. I wanted to listen to music or watch a tv show while I baked. I was like, no, just contrate on this one task and be mindful about it.
As for the situation with your clothes, I feel you 🙂 I suppose that we know it will feel great when it’s done but when we think about the whole process of doing it… Well, that’s another story haha
That’s a really good idea! I wish I had a little garden but I live in an apartment so that’s not possible for now. But I do want to plant some herbs for seasoning 🙂 x
Joana, you are so on point. Self-care isn’t all bubble baths and rose petals floating in champagne. It’s knowing yourself, listening to yourself, speaking kindly to yourself, treating yourself with respect. True self-care is actually kind of radical, because it’s a huge departure from what society expects of us.
YES!! Bubble baths and rose petals floating in champagne are only the first layer of self-care. There are so many more layers. And completely agree with breaking up with what others expect from us since self-care is often seen as selfishness. Even I struggle with that sometimes. x
These are such great tips that I’ll definitely keep in mind to try out sometime! 🙂
I’m happy to know you enjoyed these tips, Josie 🙂 x
These are really amazing tips & I do find most of them very relaxing and a boost of positivity 🙂
Rita | Tea & Curls
Happy to know you enjoyed these tips, Rita 🙂 x
Such great ideas! Thank you! xx
moremindfulyou.blogspot.com
Thank you! 🙂 x
I like to write letters to my friends.
http://goldclutter.com
That’s a lovely idea 🙂 I haven’t written a letter in years! x