Sometimes we may feel like taking time for ourselves is impossible, some of us have children, school, full-time jobs. Between all the craziness and chaos in our lives, we often forget to give ourselves time. Self-care doesn't have to be expensive. It doesn't have to be an outlandish trip to an exotic place or even an expensive massage. Self-care can be as simple as doing something that makes you feel good. Each person will have a different view or definition of what self-care means to them. This means that self-care won't look the same for every single person. Your best friend may take an extra hour to sleep in on weekends as a part of self-care, your significant other might go to the gym for hours as their self-care, your sister might get a mani & pedi every two weeks. It will all look different, but as long as we, if even for just an hour, put ourselves first.
Here are a few ways to practice self-care:
1. Sleep
Sleep is essential for everyone. Lack of sleep can effect the way we feel, both physically and emotionally. We all know how tired and cranky we can get when we haven't sleep well or slept enough the night before. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It might be difficult with so much going on. Whether you're up late doing homework or up late because your child is sick or just having a difficult time going to bed. There can be a plethora of reasons why we don't get enough sleep at night. However, getting into a nightly routine might help with making your sleep a priority. Or making small adjustments like drinking less caffeine during the day or avoiding caffeine in the evening can help us go to sleep earlier. Also, avoiding using our bed for other things like eating or d
oing our homework can help our brain register it's time for bed when you're laying down.
2. Get Active
Exercise has been proven to have several health benefits. Exercising on a daily basis can help boost your mood, helping reduce stress and anxiety, not to mention the release of endorphins that comes with exercising. Endorphins are the body's natural "feel-good" chemical. However, we understand that finding time to exercise or go to the gym may be difficult. Try to incorporate small walks with your children or significant other. Playing a sport we used to play when we were younger, tennis or basketball. Sometimes we might not be in the mood to break a sweat, so finding time for yoga can also get us moving. Join a class at your local yoga studio or out a yoga video on youtube. Finding time for being active can become an essential part of our self-care.
3. Read a Book
Did you enjoy reading books as a child or even as a teen? Grab a book and take a seat. Give yourself some time to get caught up in the book. Sometimes books can be an escape from our reality. If you're not a fan of fiction or fantasy, then maybe a self-care or self-help book may better suit you. Either way, it's healthy to take time and put our phone down.
4. Blast Some Music
Blast some of your favorite music and have your own mini dance party! It feels good to just
dance and sing to our favorite songs. Whether it's during a solo car ride or you're at home with some girlfriends it's always fun to just dance and sing like no one is watching.
