Self Care Is The New Health Care
20 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself When Everything Feels Hard
Self-Care Practices for the Mind, Body & Soul
Forget bubble baths and face masks. This is self-care for when your nervous system is screaming, when getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain, when you need something that actually works instead of something that just looks good on social media.
Self Care 101 - Review These Basics
Look For Ways You Can Take Simple Moves To The Next Level.
1. Simplify Your Schedule.
Are you over-committed? Are there things that you need to let go of? Ask yourself which activities and relationships are truly adding value to your life, and intentionally make space for those things. Feel free to release anything that is a drain to your mental, emotional or physical energy. That comes back to you as surplus.
2. Don't Forget to Frequently Hydrate and Nourish Your Body.
Often dehydration and hunger are the missing keys to the support we need in coping with challenging times. We need it more than we think.
3. Take a Long, Warm Bath/Shower.
Try it with the lights out. Or, light a candle, play soothing music.
4. Create a Gratitude List.
Write down all the things that you're thankful for. This helps to put things in perspective.
5. Meet with a Counselor.
This could be a psychologist, therapist, or spiritual mentor. Having a professional listen and share can feel deeply healing.
6. Unplug.
Go on a media and technology break, turning off any unnecessary electronic devices. Limit your exposure to anything stressful.
7. Do Something New.
Have you been considering learning a new skill or trying a new hobby? Go for it. New activities can positively occupy the mind.
8. Practice Mini-Meditation.
Begin or end your day with a minute of deep breathing, stretching and clearing your mind.
9. Sing & Dance It Out.
Put on your favorite song and feel the music, sing your soul out.
10. Journal Your Thoughts.
Take 10 minutes, and jot down whatever is heavy on your mind. It helps you process your thoughts and emotions and release the weight.
11. Get Quality Time with a Quality Person.
Hang out with someone whom you enjoy. If they're far away, FaceTime or give them a phone call.
12. Be Still.
Find a quiet place that speaks to you. Take
it in. Focus on the beauty around you.
13. Practice a Day (Or A Half) of Sabbath Rest.
Schedule time to reboot and rejuvenate.
14. Start Small & De-clutter.
Choose a place -- your email inbox, your desk, a closet -- and get rid of the excess and junk.
15. Do an Activity Mindfully and Slowly.
Savor the moment, and experience your activity with attentiveness.
16. Take a Walk.
Movement can clear you mind and invigorate your body.
17. Reflect on Your Personal Mission Statement.
If you don't have a personal mission statement, create one. Sometimes, having a goal can bring clarity and direction.
18. Enjoy a Hot Cup of Tea or Coffee.
Mindfully engage with the warmth of the cup and focus on intentionally relaxing your body.
19. Sleep.
Under extreme stress, your body needs more restorative time. Take a nap, go to bed earlier, and give your body some extra rest.
20. Relaxing with Aromatherapy.
Hijack your senses and use them to calm your nervous system. Soothing scents, lights and sounds can pause your mind and body for a much needed, brief, calming reset.