βA Better Meβ is a series that explores ways we can look inward and be the best version of ourselves we can be. Try staying connected with yourself this year with these six easy self-care tips.
Self-care is a concept that more of us have started taking more seriously in the last year. With our lives shifting and changing in new ways, itβs only natural that many people are looking for ways to destress.
βWe are taught from a young age not to prioritize ourselves, because itβs deemed to be selfish behavior,β says Megan Harrison, a licensed relationship counselor in Tampa, Florida. βBecause of this, many adults inadvertently sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others, putting their own physical and mental well–being last.β
Self-care is all about putting yourself first by paying attention to your needs and promoting healthy mindsets. When you prioritize your physical and mental well-being, you avoid burnout, are able to slow down and enjoy life, and can give more back into your relationships with others. The key to keeping up with self-care is to establish routines that bring you comfort and joy. Here are six self-care tips to make the practice a habit that helps each day feel a bit lighter.
Laugh
The phrase βlaughter is the best medicineβ is true for a reason. Laughter can reduce stress hormones and even improve overall system function. There are many ways to incorporate laughter into your daily routine. From YouTube or TikTok viral videos, to browsing Netflix for a good sitcom, these activities actually help lower stress. There are also daily newsletters like Unreadit’s Funny newsletter that deliver much-needed laughter to your inbox daily. If youβre missing live comedy, a variety of comedians have been putting on online shows that you can livestream for a few laughs.
You canΒ make this a social activity too. Plan a weekly get-together with friends to catch up and socialize; laughter comes naturally when youβre in good company. OrΒ get the whole family in on it andΒ plan a familyΒ movie nightΒ or destress together with someΒ coloring pages and crosswords.
Invest in a food club
One major source of stress can be the struggle to eatΒ wellΒ whileΒ being tempted by every snack in your house. To make it easier, why not try out aΒ food club?Β Harry & DavidβsΒ Fruit-of-the-MonthΒ ClubΒ delivers hand-picked seasonal fruit to your door every month.Β This removesΒ some ofΒ the hassle of shopping andΒ gives the easier choice to grab a delicious orange or pear rather than resorting to the candyΒ and salty snacksΒ you have in the pantry. With a variety of options for organic, exotic, and citrus fruits, you’ll always have something new at armβs reach.
Plan daily breaks
With our hectic lifestyles, sometimes we can forget to slow down until itβs bedtime. However, daily breaks have been shown to help restore creativity, motivation, and sharpen our decision-making skills. Karen Lewis, a busy mother of twins, created the blog Watered Daily with the idea of practicing self-maintenance with the same attention one might show a beloved plant or pet. βTaking just a few minutes out of my day has reduced stress, increased productivity, allowed me to better manage my mindset and boasted my energy,β she says. βInstead of survival mode, think of self-care mode and give yourself that extra lift to get through the day.β
Start with scheduling inΒ 15-minute planned breaks every day. This can be a walk around the block, an episode of your favorite show, a chapter of a new book, or a phone call with a friend. Or it might even meanΒ savoringΒ someΒ chocolates andΒ wineΒ after dinner, or treating yourself to aΒ relaxingΒ bubble bath. Regardless of the activity, it should be something that brings a sense of joy and comfort and one that shifts your mental activity for a short while.
Try meditation and mindful breathing during one of your breaks. Proper breathing exercises can help you manage stress, reduce negative emotions, and increase creativity. Even what you breathe in should be considered. Scented candles can alleviate anxiety, promote feelings of joy and ease, and support a restful sleep. And who wouldn’t want to breathe in the delicious scents of peach gardenia, cozy vanilla spice, and orange blossom?
Engage in mindful activities
Mindfulness means to be present and aware of whatβs happening around you. It can be cultivated in a variety of ways. A daily yoga practice, a familiar walking route, or a few minutes of stretching are all activities that can get you out of autopilot and focused on the present moment. Start with a few minutes of a mindful practice every day (morning stretches are a good time to do this) as a way to incorporate some simple self-care.
Journal or life plan
One way to implement self-care is to explore your thoughts or future goals through writing. This gets you reflecting on whatβs important to you, writing away any stressors, and considering what youβd like to achieve going forward.Β Journaling prompts are a good way to get to know yourself, too. Write about what gives you energy, what your ideal day looks like, or what youβd like to learn more about. If youβre the type who loves to plan, invest in a high-quality planning journal to inspire future goals.
Journaling is also a great way to become more aware of your inner narrative. Kate McGuinness, an executive coach and the author of Confidence Lost / Confidence Found: How to Reclaim the Unstoppable You, advises that instead of focusing on failuresβreal or perceivedβmake a list of your accomplishments and most redeeming qualities. βTry to see yourself through the eyes of someone who loves you,β she says. βEdit your inner monologue to minimize self-criticism.β Writing these down in a journal can draw attention to your thought patterns and allow you to explore ways to change them.
Do exercise that you actually enjoy
The point of self-care is to do something that you actually like to do, whether that means finding a streaming dance class or taking your bicycle out for a spin. Movement can be an exciting way to boost self-care, but not every workout needs to be high-intensity. Listen to yourself and if youβre feeling that cardio class, go for it! Does restorative yoga sound better some days? Itβs your call! Listening to what your body needs can help your workout feel much more satisfying than dreadful.
The key to self-care is to find a practice thatβs sustainable for you! That may mean beginning with five minutes of stretching in the morning before you forget, taking a short walk on your lunch break between meetings, or scheduling journaling time once a week. Starting small is okayβand setting reminders on your smartphone is helpfulβbecause itβs more important that you can sustain your habits and slowly build on them than start too big and turn them into more βto-dos.β Remember itβs ultimately about finding what works for you, so find what self-care tips work for you and run with it. Running may actually be one of them!
