Looking after yourself shouldn’t be an optional extra. Self-care often brings about thoughts of time-consuming, expensive, and every-now-and-then events. Lengthy acts of self-indulgence and grandiose Instagram-worthy rituals that smell a lot like sandalwood and cost a lot like a monthly grocery shop. And if that’s all self-care is, of course, you’re not going to do it regularly.
The essence of self-care is doing what your body, mind and soul need to refuel. Self-care is about carving out a small pocket of time in your day to be intentional in looking after you.
Being intentional is saying that you will commit to yourself in the same way you care and support others.
You are probably doing lots of things in your life that are aimed at self-care. Perhaps you didn’t think of these things as being so, because they are just what you do.
The daily walk, the morning coffee, the nighttime reading routine – these are all acts of self-care because you are doing them solely for yourself. You have intrinsically known these are the things that refuel and revive you. Surprised?
So, knowing how easy looking after yourself can really be, what else can you bring to your life? Reconnect with yourself, topping up your coping-cup and creating time and space for you.
Here are some easy and fun ways to kick start your self-care practice every day!
Self-care every day!
- Laugh out loud. Watch a movie, stand-up, call a friend or just find yourself hilarious…whatever, just laugh.
- Lose yourself in a good book. Be transported out of your own real-life and into a new and fantastic world, if only for a moment.
- Feel the sun on your face. Look up to the sky and feel the comforting warmth of the sun.
- Practice yoga. Stretch until you are all loosey-goosey. Enjoy the sensation of a subtle yet powerful movement.
- Enjoy pampering. Get a massage, a facial or a body treatment and enjoy the gentle and therapeutic feeling of touch.
- Bake. Then share your yummy creations…. or don’t!
- Enjoy a warm shower. Include lovely soaps and lotions, like the queen you are.
- Hug your pet. Obviously, goes without saying, but it is so therapeutic and comforting, and your pet will love you even more too!
- Plan a holiday or short break. Have something to look forward to because you work hard and deserve it!
- Organise a coffee or lunch date with the girls. Just catch up and share. Also, see self-care practice #1.
- Colour your world. Relax with an adult colouring book. Addictive.
- Express yourself with paint. Create something beautiful, imperfect or inspiring – wherever your skills are at.
- Make a card for someone special. Feel warm fuzzies by writing words of love.
- Journal your thoughts. Notice a lighter and freer feeling. Aaaah.
- Dance. However you feel, even if it’s badly.
- Be creative. Make something crafty and show it off in your home.
- Plant a tree or flowers. Enjoy a bit more nature in your life.
- Sort through photographs. Relive unforgettable memories that transport you back in time.
- Schedule tech-free time. Intentional time away from your phone, computer, tablet, TV and any other neck-craning devices.
- Drink lots of water.
- Cook a new healthy dish. Notice how nourishing it feels for your body.
- Schedule sleep time. Be aware of how you feel when you are well-rested.
- Enjoy a caffeine-free tea before bed. Feel the calm of your body as it prepares you for rest.
- Sing. Loudly and unashamedly.
- Meditate. Feel the quiet in your mind and create space.
- Enjoy your garden. Hear all the sounds of nature your yard has invited.
- Breathe deeply. Feel the sensation in your lungs and the stress flow from your body.
- Lay on the grass. Feel the support of the earth beneath you.
- Have a picnic. In your backyard!
- Take a nap. Rest without the guilt and wake up refreshed.
- Leave work at work. Be intentional and create a positive work/life balance.
- Make your own face mask. Raid the pantry and get creative.
- Mani or Pedi. Yes, please!
- Take yourself out on a date. Could be breakfast, lunch, or dinner… or an afternoon glass of Sav. Let’s not be judgy.
- Walk on the beach. Feel the sensations on your bare feet.
- Use free-weights. Feel the burn and impress yourself with your strength.
- Sink into a spa. Enjoy the peace and the feeling of lightness and relaxation.
- Go hiking. Feel the fresh, crisp air in your lungs.
- Go for a walk or a run. Energy creates energy.
- Do a puzzle. Take time-out from your phone and your internal chatter. Instead, direct your attention to challenging (or simple) tasks for a while.
- Buy a bunch of flowers. Create a wonderfully fragrant and calming home.
- Practice mindfulness. Clear your thoughts and bring yourself back to the here and now.
- Go swimming. Feel fabulous and weightless.
- Make a pot of tea. Notice your senses light up.
- Journal. Write down your thoughts and feel more free.
- Heat up in a spa. Sweat up a storm and feel the detox.
- Stop. Just be with zero distractions. Enjoy you for a while.
- Write some mantras or positive affirmations. Or spent time Googling some that really resonate.
- Light a beautifully fragrant candle or burn incense. Create a sense of warmth and peace.
- Ask for help. Share the load, feel lighter, reach out and get support from people who care about you.
What works for you? How do you adapt your own self-care practices into your life?
