Tips To Get You Thinking About Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just for Sundays. Incorporating a curated and mindful routine into your everyday life--whether it’s for a second or an hour--can have noticeable impacts on your stress levels, energy, and connection to yourself. So where do we start? Here are some easy tips to get you thinking about a reliable self-care plan:
1. Take note of your basic needs.
Think about the simple things you need to live life feeling taken care of. Is your current lifestyle supporting your basic needs? Good self-care begins with becoming aware of what you need everyday and within a given moment, from the mundane to the invigorating. Below is a sample list taken from Jill Conyers of needs you could be meeting for yourself:
Do you usually get 8 hours of sleep?
Do you eat something fresh everyday?
Do you spend time in nature, no matter how briefly?
Do you drink enough water?
Do you get enough sunlight?
Do you schedule anual doctor's appointments?
Do you get enough exercise?
o you have regular contact with others?
Do you laugh often?
Do you make time for friendship?
Do you have someone you can turn to when you're feeling down and need to talk?
Do you ask for help when you need it?
Do you express/release negative emotions?
Do you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
Do you do things that give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose?
Do you make time for solitude and quiet?
Are you gettting enough spiritual nourishment?
Do you accept yourself for who you are?
Do you accept compliments gracefully, without dodging or deflecting them?
Do you avoid comparing yourself to others?
Do you feel good about yourself without acceptance from others?
2. Make a list of things that feed you.
Take this literally and figuratively! What foods warm your heart? Is there a song that feeds your soul? Do you have a beauty routine that makes you feel special? How about reading a poem or drawing? Or even a good stretch? Making a list can help guide you when you’re at a loss with how you can take care of yourself. This can also serve as a tangible reminder to do something for yourself when life feels like it’s taking over.
3. Tune in and don’t overthink it.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of some self-care, remember that you know you best! Close your eyes and tune into your body, thoughts, and feelings in t
he present moment. Acknowledging how you’re doing is the first ingredient to taking care of yourself, then you can ask yourself what you need to feel taken care of. This can be as simple as a breath or as involved as a spa day. Self-love and self-care go hand in hand, and acts of love toward yourself don’t have to achieve anything except help you to feel good!
4. Be consistent to help avoid burnout.
We all get burnt out, life sneaks up on us and we forget to prioritize ourselves. Use your lists and self-awareness to add some self-care to your calendar that you can rely on and look forward to. Maybe this is going for a walk in the mornings or planning a special date with yourself. If you know you have a stressful week ahead of you, set some time for yourself to create a space where you can leave whatever is going on at the door.
Self-care can be your personal passport to self-love and appreciation. When you can appreciate yourself through all the moments, you'll find yourself truly begin to shine!
