The term self-care is everywhere, but what is it, why should you do it, and how is it done? Today I’m going to explain what it means to practice self-care and offer you some quick and easy ways to get started doing it right away.
What is self-care?
Self-care is a term meaning taking the time to intentionally do something for yourself that allows your mind and body to feel rejuvenated.
Life is hard.
And totally stressful.
Do you ever sit down to do a task only to find that 30 minutes later, you’ve accomplished nothing?
When your mind is full and your thoughts are racing, completing even simple tasks can be overwhelming.
If you’re achy and tired, staying focused long enough to get stuff done isn’t likely gonna happen.
So why is self-care important anyway?
Not taking care of yourself can lead to many problems, both mentally and physically.
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed all the time can lead to physical ailments such as headaches, sleeplessness, and nervousness.
Over time it can lead to more serious physical illnesses like digestive problems, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, or even a heart attack.
Stress can wreak havoc on your mental health too.
It can cause depression, anxiety, moodiness, and agitation.
Taking time out to take care of yourself is vital to your overall well being.
So how can you implement a self-care routine into your life when you’re already super stressed out?
I know.
You think I’m crazy if I believe you can squeeze yet another “to-do” into your life.
But hear me out…
Practicing self-care will change all that craziness. Stop it, I saw you roll your eyes at me.
You don’t believe me yet, but that’s okay. Soon you’ll be asking yourself how you ever managed without a self-care routine in the first place.
Now, where were we…
Self-care will allow your mind to focus on the task at hand. (I say as I lose my train of thought)
It will calm your mind and body.
In turn, making you more productive.
And happier. Yes, happier!
Being more productive will free up more time in your day, leaving you more time for things you enjoy. When was the last time you could relax and not feel guilty because your to-do list is staring you down?
See how much you need self-care in your life?
Ready to give it a try? Almost?
Okay, let’s keep going.
Not sure what I mean when I say practice self-care?
Well just remember practice makes perfect(not that it has to be perfect). Wait a minute, I actually kinda hate that saying! Why make ourselves or others feel like perfection is the only thing to strive for? UGH!
Let’s say the more you practice self-care the more natural it will become, in turn making it easier for you to do. There. Better.
So how does one “practice self-care” anyway? It sounds complicated.
Don’t worry, it sounds all formal and like you need specialized training, but believe me, you don’t.
It’s easier than you think.
Simply put, practicing self-care means purposefully doing something that is good for your physical, mental, and/or emotional health.
I bet you can come up with a few ideas just off the top of your head, right now, that you could do to improve one of these areas for yourself.
But just in case you are completely drawing a blank, here are a few ideas I strongly recommend to get you started.
10 Ways You Can Practice Self-care for a Better You.
1. Work on an existing hobby or find a new one.
2. Drink a Healthy Smoothie
3. Soak in the tub
4. Use a face mask
5. Play with your pet
6. Read a book
7. Color in an adult coloring book
8. Go for a walk
9. Sip a hot beverage
10. Start a gratitude Journal
Wanna know more about these 10 Ways to Practice Self-Care? You can read all about them in much more detail in this post which also includes links to some of our favorite products and services.
See, I told you. Those ideas are totally easy. I know you can do at least five of them right away, without having to plan a thing.
Go ahead, go back through the list and just pick one.
Run a bath, put on your kettle, take your dog for a quick walk around the neighborhood.
YOU CAN DO THIS and YOU NEED TO DO THIS for yourself.
Do it for your loved ones. A happier you equals a happier mom, wife, daughter, sister.
It’s time to start thinking about your well-being, your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Let’s recap
Self-care means taking time out to focus on your mind and body.
It’s super important to keep you healthy and happy both physically and mentally.
Self-care doesn’t always have to mean time-consuming but should be a priority in your life.
I hope after reading about self-care you realize the importance of making it part of your routine. I also hope you have discovered some easy ways to start practicing self-care and be on your way to a healthier happier self.
So what self-care action will you take today?
Still curious to find out more about these 10 ways to practice self-care? Check out the post 10 Easy Ways to Practice Self-Care That You Can Start Right Now where I explain each one in more detail and give you links where you can find our most recommended products and services.
Leave a comment below to tell us ways you take care of yourself and how doing so has changed your life.
If you’re ready to just dive right in and take the first steps of setting up a self-care routine, then check out these two posts to help get you started.
- 4 No-Fuss Ways to Figuring Out Your Morning Routine
- A Step By Step Guide to Creating Your Nighttime Routine
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Until Next Time…
