We all need self-care, but if you’re like me, you might not always remember to take care of yourself! Whether you’re working full-time or are just busy with life, it can be hard to take the time and energy to practice self-care regularly. But if you want to feel your best and continue to function at your highest capacity, I encourage you to make self-care part of your daily routine, starting with these five types of self-care that will help you recharge and relax when you need it most.
Whether you’re dealing with emotional stress or physical exhaustion, it’s essential to take the time to practice self-care to maintain your mental and physical health. Self-care isn’t something that can be easily boxed into just one single type of activity, though; there are many different ways you can practice it! Here are seven different types of self-care that you can use throughout your day to recharge and relax.
#1: Taking time to reflect
If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or even just a little blue, sit down for 10 minutes with a pen and paper. Don’t think about what you have to do next or all that you have on your plate; instead, write a list of everything that’s making you feel crummy. Next to each item, write down ways you could improve those situations.
#2: Exercise
Research shows that people who work out regularly tend to be more optimistic, outgoing, friendly, conscientious, self-confident, and happier. Exercise gives you a natural high while also boosting your energy levels. But if you don’t enjoy working out or feel self-conscious about it, there are plenty of other ways to get exercise.
#3: Meditating
There are a variety of ways you can take part in meditation. It may seem like it’s reserved for monks who spend their day deep in prayer, but there are many different types of meditation, each with its variations. Mindfulness meditation is probably one of the most common; find your happy place, sit down, close your eyes and breathe.
#4: Sleep
It may seem simple, but getting a good night’s sleep can enormously impact your energy levels. Getting enough sleep is especially important if you work more than one job or work long hours during the day. Sleep deprivation can affect your decision-making ability and make it hard to focus when you need to. While it can be difficult for those with young children or full-time jobs, prioritize getting enough sleep whenever possible.
#5: Nature therapy
Take a walk in nature. The natural world is therapeutic for many reasons. First, you get some vitamin D from direct sunlight (which can be hard to come by in many parts of the country). Being outside also makes us calmer, happier, and more peaceful. It’s easy to feel gloomy on dark winter days when we have no choice but to stay indoors, so it’s essential to consider ways to bring sunshine into our lives in these darker months.
#6: Nourishing your body
Our bodies are 50-70% water, which means it’s essential to drink plenty every day. Drink water for energy, stay hydrated for a healthy liver, maintain proper blood flow, etc. Be sure to include natural electrolytes in your water by adding lemon juice or cucumber slices. Sip on some hot tea: Nourishing your body with essential nutrients from plants is one way to ensure you’re treating yourself right.
#7: Relieving stress with a hobby
Hobbies aren’t just an idle distraction. For people who live very stressful lives, hobbies can help their mind relax by focusing on something else. Even if you don’t have a hobby yet, it may be worth starting one to relieve some stress. Don’t feel like your hobby needs to be elaborate—even something as simple as knitting or doodling can provide you with some much-needed time for reflection and self-care.
