10 Self-Care Ideas To Help You Get Started Right Now
Self-care is something we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it sounds simple, it’s something we often overlook. Great self-care is key to an improved mood, balanced life, and reduced anxiety. Practicing self-care is key to having a healthy relationship with oneself and others.
It is not selfish to look after yourself and to put yourself first.
It is actually critical for your overall happiness and for your well-being.
Furthermore, it is also the most important part of self-care.
Self-care is something we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it sounds simple, it’s something we often overlook.
Self-care is key to an improved mood, and balanced life, and even anxiety.
Honestly, it’s taken me a long time as a therapist, a wife, a mom, a family member, and a friend, to realize that my needs are equally important as anyone else’s.
As women, it’s really common to put others’ needs ahead of ours.
And the truth is, it is only when we take care of ourselves first, and in equal amounts, can we truly take care of others. Reduced anxiety.
Practicing self-care is key to having a healthy relationship with oneself and others.
What are the Benefits of Self-Care?
Reduces stress and burnout: Practicing self-care helps reduce stress and burnout. It can help you feel more relaxed and in control, which can improve your mood and energy levels. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to handle the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities.
Improves physical health: Self-care can improve physical health. Activities such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Boosts mental health: Self-care can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Taking time to relax, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and seeking therapy when needed can help you manage your emotions and improve your mental health.
Enhances productivity: Practicing self-care can help you be more productive. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to focus, be creative, and make sound decisions.
Need help getting started? Here are 10 ideas on how to practice self-care right now:
Tips for Practicing Self-Care
Create a self-care plan: Develop a self-care plan that includes activities that are enjoyable and relaxing. This can include activities such as yoga, meditation, reading a book, taking a walk, or spending time with loved ones.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment. It can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings.
Take care of your physical health: Taking care of your physical health is an essential part of self-care. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet.
Acknowledge yourself and finally put yourself first! Everyone has limits, recognize these and give yourself a break. Maybe learning to say ‘NO’ is the right move for you!
Gift yourself something that will add to your life! We often forget to just be kind to ourselves. So, give yourself something as simple as a bubble bath, a new journal, an extra hour of sleep, or even just a moment of forgiveness.
Restore yourself by doing something that makes you truly happy! Think back to an activity, smell, sound, or taste that made you happy as a child. Try to recreate that moment and relish the experience. Find more ways to restore yourself here.
Speak up for yourself and ask for help! Tell someone how you really feel on the inside when things aren’t going well, or you feel overwhelmed. Voicing the burden always makes the load lighter and allows others the chance to support you.
Take the pressure off yourself! Set realistic expectations of yourself whether it’s at work, at home, or in your social life. Immediately ban the word ‘should’ from your vocabulary and start asking yourself, “Did I show up?” When the answer is ‘yes’, you’ve done more than enough.
Notice the good in yourself! Take time to acknowledge the obstacles you’ve overcome and the lessons you’ve learned. Now think about yourself through a loved one’s eyes, as they see triumph, strength, and growth. This positive thinking feels great and can help you shift your way of thinking.
Invest in yourself! Seek therapy or coaching when needed: Seeking therapy is an important part of self-care. A therapist can help you manage your emotions, improve your mental health, and develop coping strategies for dealing with stress and difficult situations I offer a free consultation to see if we’re a good fit to work together. Book one today! You deserve it.
Set up a routine in order to practice self-care for the next two weeks. Take notice of how you felt before and after. For more tips and tricks on nourishing oneself, read this article from Harvard Health.