If you’re managing a career, business, family, a secret goal, or a romantic relationship, your energy and time are the most important commodities you have. Regardless of how you spend them, you will always end up running out of supply. Energy and productivity both run on fuel. Like vehicles, we cannot function well without proper fuel and maintenance.
Whether you’re a busy career woman or a stay-at-home mum, caring for yourself may seem a tall order. Self-care may feel like an unattainable luxury, one that requires spending thousands of dollars for a beach trip, a luxurious travel getaway, or a visit to the most expensive spa resort. In reality, self-care doesn’t involve too much time and money.
Here are some suggestions to incorporate a self-care routine into your daily life. These activities won’t take too much of your time, but they have a great impact on your mind and body.
Treat yourself
Give yourself a chance for some indulgence every day. It doesn’t have to be expensive; the intention is what counts here, not the action itself.
If you’re a morning person, eliminate the hectic morning rush through shower meditation. Add a relaxing twist to morning showers by including a self-care element. Do this by taking the time showering and enjoying the feel of the water on your skin. While washing your body, imagine that you are also washing away the negativity and stress you’re feeling.
Afterward, make yourself look lovely for the day by applying your favorite lotion and perfume. Ditch those bad hair days by using a flat iron or a ceramic hair-curling wand to tame those unruly locks. You never know how well-kempt hair makes a big difference to a woman’s confidence and self-esteem.
If you don’t have time to visit a spa, massage and moisturize your skin using natural lotion, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or other organic options. Spread the oil or cream along the skin and massage those sore parts. Not only will you feel relaxed, but it will give your skin the TLC it deserves.
Ditch off gadgets
Turning off screens and taking a social media break are the best things you can do for your mental health. This is very important before you hit the bed at night. Electronic gadgets such as phones, tablets, laptops, and TV have blue light included on their screen, sending signals to the brain to create hormones that promote constant wakefulness.
If you’ve been struggling to get a good night’s sleep, why not read a book instead of browsing on Twitter for hours on end? While you’re at it, make nice, warm tea and perform a few minutes of meditation. Use deep breathing exercises to unload all the stress and tiredness you experienced the entire day.
For the tea, make sure it doesn’t contain caffeine. There are wellness stores selling bedtime blends or herbal teas to ease stress and anxiety. Excess caffeine will ruin your chances of getting restorative sleep, by making you feel jittery, stressed, and anxious. Caffeine may also be present in sports drinks, chocolate, and soft drinks. Replace those morning caffeine sessions by sipping on a warm tea instead.
Walk or play with a furry friend
If you want a quick escape from work or household chores, take a quick trip outdoors by going for a walk or strolling with a furry friend. There are plenty of studies that discuss the health benefits of having animals at home. Not only do they make faithful companions, but pets help decrease the risk of blood pressure and boost oxytocin levels, a “love hormone” that gives you warm and fuzzy feelings.
Petting a furry companion gives feelings of calmness and enjoyment as well as staring at the fish tank. For dog owners, take them for a walk at a nearby park and take in the natural sights. Focusing on the moment and appreciate things around you has a great impact on your overall well-being.
While you’re outside, take the time to exercise or stretch your entire body. Search online for basic stretching routines you can follow every day. Any type of stretching or exercise will help the body function despite long periods of sitting or inactivity.
Self-care isn’t just about luxurious trips and eating a balanced diet. It’s all about giving ourselves the soul food to fuel us every day and doing small things that create huge impacts on our overall health and well-being. Self-care begins when we take care of our bodies. Follow the suggestions above to feel more present and refreshed in the days to come!
