self-care
Busy bees, listen up!
I know you have a lot going on, places to go and people to see. But if you don’t take a step back and care for yourself, you’re going to burn out. So today I want to encourage you to practice self-care and give you some examples you can incorporate into your daily routine.
What is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that one does to help improve their mental, emotional or physical health. This is important because when we neglect our needs, we diminish our ability to perform our daily tasks. Taking care of ourselves is key when it comes to helping others as well.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup; you must fill your cup first.”
For those of us who struggle with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, being mindful of our self-care is especially important. Without it, we can become emotionally exhausted and find it difficult to function. Aside from eating healthy, getting exercise and good sleep, there are a few extra things I enjoy doing to take care of myself. In case you need some inspiration, here are some of the ways I practice self-care and my recommendations to you.
My Recommendations
Make time for your hobbies
One of my hobbies is playing guitar and singing. Whenever I feel emotionally overwhelmed, playing music is the perfect outlet for me to express myself and relieve the tension that has built up over the course of the day or week. No matter what it is, doing something creative or just enjoyable can alleviate your stress and make you feel refreshed and renewed.
Pamper yourself
Practicing good hygiene in general can improve your mood, so taking it up a notch always makes me feel even better. Taking a bubble bath or doing a face mask are a couple of my favorite relaxation pampering activities. My favorite bubble bath products are from Lush and for face masks Origins is my go-to.
Thought journaling
When your thoughts become overwhelming from life’s stressors, it helps to get it out of your head and onto paper. Writing down your thoughts and feelings is so useful in caring for your mental and emotional health. It can help you to better understand the sources of your stress and mentally prepare for those situations.
Friends & Family
Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you is crucial for your health. Even if it might be difficult, cutting ties with people who are unsupportive or generally negative will have a positive impact on your life. Whenever I’ve been feeling down, I count on my friends and family to care for me, make me laugh and just be there to spend some quality time. Eliminate toxic relationships and nurture the ones that are worth your emotional energy.
Whether you decide to try any of my recommendations or not, I hope you make time to care for yourself. Life is full of demanding and stressful situations, but self-care can help us get back to feeling motivated and ready to take on the world. Thanks for reading, xo.