Self-care looks different for everyone. It can be getting a Mani/Pedi or going to yoga or cooking a simple meal, self-care is essential to your well being. Below are some self-care ideas:
Start with a mind dump. A mind dump is simply a way for you to get everything out of your head and onto paper. Use this time to get rid of negative words and negative thoughts. Write it down, tear it up, and throw it away! A mind dump also allows you to focus on new things or deal with the task at hand, instead of constantly dwelling on things that are taking up valuable bandwidth.
Take Your Mind for a Walk. Walking can be a form of meditation. Spend some time walking and fully engaged in your surroundings. While you walk, clear your head, feel each breath as it goes in and out, and take notice of each step as you walk. Be present.
Learning to say no. I know it's really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes can lead to anxiety, irritability, and burnout. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you will start to feel more empowered, and you will have more time for your self-care.
Take a relaxing bath. Self-care doesn't always mean a trip to the spa or salon. Taking a long bath at the end of the day can be a relaxing form of self-care. Adding soft music, light some candles, or drink a glass of wine (or not) can help you wind down and relax.
Read a good book. We tend to turn to our phones for entertainment or comfort, scrolling through news feeds that can contribute to our stress and anxiety rather than helping it. Instead, consider reading a book. You might be amazed at the difference it can make when you slow down and read instead of being on your phone. Not only can it help improve your mood, but it can also help you to stay more present and mindful.
Focus on gratitude. Gratitude practice is a form of self-care that allows us to take charge, redirect our thoughts, and shift our feelings in a positive direction and improve our attitude. Improving our attitude can lead to a shift in our behavior and that can result in improved outcomes and improvement within ourselves. Gratitude reshapes the brain and reduces stress.
Disconnect. No matter what activities you choose for your self-care, I highly recommend unplugging from social media and mobile devices. The goal is to focus on yourself and how you’re feeling and it’s much harder to do so when you’re distracted by memes, posts, and comments.
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