Self care is – and should be – part of an individual’s lifestyle. Only by taking the time to take care of yourself, rest, and recharge your batteries will you be able to tackle any obstacles that may come your way and overcome any challenges. The reason why we say that self-care is a way of life is that it involves doing things that can only be beneficial to you on a daily or weekly basis. Taking care of oneself shouldn’t be a part-time job or an every-once-in-a-while activity. Indeed, when life gets hectic, and you find it difficult to balance everything out, it is understandable that taking the time for yourself and allowing yourself to catch your breath may seem like a waste of time. Plus, it isn’t recommended to force any of the following practices that involve you taking care of yourself.
Self-care should come naturally and on your own terms, and in your own time. For this reason, if you are the kind of person who hasn’t really prioritized this until now and is having a hard time allocating some moments for themselves, it is essential to take it to step by step and not make out of self-care just another task. But don’t worry – you are not alone. This article is what you need to get you started.
You don’t necessarily have to go to a spa or in a remote retreat in order to make self-care part of your life. The good news is that you can start by doing this in the comfort of your home because self-care is present in the smallest things, from drinking a cup of your favorite tea in the evening while reading a book or watching a good movie to meditating and prioritizing your needs. Slowly but steadily, you will manage to put yourself first. Doing this will make you better prepared to support your friends and family and perform well in your professional life as well.
So, how can you make self-care your lifestyle? How can you practice self-care at home? Here are five ways to get you started:
1. Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Long Relaxing Bath
Taking a bubble bath, putting some music on, and reading a great book can be an incredibly effective method of relieving anxiety symptoms or de-stressing yourself after a day full of work and running from one task to the other. This can be an ideal way of practicing self-care and detaching yourself from any negative thoughts. Taking a long relaxing bath and doing essential skincare are excellent ways of having a home spa day or evening as frequently as you want.
Plus, you can go as extra as you wish. Who says you cannot include scented candles, various kinds of bath bombs, or salts? Depending on your preferences and style, your relaxing bubble bath can look as luxurious as you want.
2. Prioritize Getting a Good Night Sleep and Proper Rest
Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Getting enough rest and making sure you sleep well during the night are crucial aspects of self-care. This way, you ensure that the next day you wake up with your batteries recharged and ready to tackle any obstacles and fulfill your day’s goals with good energy. Otherwise, not getting enough sleep can worsen negative thoughts and feelings, making you more prone to anxiety disorder.
If you have trouble sleeping, there are some things you can do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep. First and foremost, you should never bring your work or assignments to a place dedicated to resting. Another suggestion is to purchase high-quality sheets made from breathable materials and wear ultra-soft and moisture-wicking pajamas that promote complete comfort.
3. Focus On Allocating Valuable “Me” Time
It is of the utmost importance to find the time to treat yourself like you deserve. For this reason, after a day full of activities, responsibilities, chores, and work, it is essential to allocate some “me” time once you get home. Indeed, social life is also crucial for your self-care, and meeting with your loved ones is vital for your well-being.
This being said, personal time can be easily overlooked when you need to fit many things – working or studying, seeing friends and family – into one day’s schedule. So, as important as prioritizing your social life, it is just as crucial to allocate valuable “me” time. This means doing only the things you love in the evening or on some weekends when your energy levels are relatively low, and you need recharging. Don’t be afraid to spend time with yourself.
4. Include Some Form of Exercise in Your Life
Indeed, having to include some form of exercise in your life can quickly transform into a task that you would rather not do, especially for individuals who are extremely busy. But the good news is that exercise can take many forms, not necessarily going to the gym if that’s not really your cup of tea.
Whether you sign up for a beginner’s Yoga or Pilates glass, you start cycling or begin a sport, such as swimming; it is all up to you and depends on your preferences and daily schedule. Regardless of what you choose, the important thing is to make sure you include this in your lifestyle. This means preventing sedentarism, improving your overall health, increasing your energy levels, which all represent self-care.
5. Disconnect From Digital Devices
Nowadays, with so many digital devices available and excessively present both in your professional and personal life, it is vital to disconnect from them every once in a while and focus your attention on your surroundings. So, you should practice digital detox as much as it is possible. For example, during the weekend, you can allocate at least a few hours during the day when you don’t prioritize using your smartphone or other devices.
Apart from listening to some feel-good music when going for a walk or even during chores around the house, you should try to reduce the use of digital devices for your well-being. If the weather is nice, choose to spend some time outside, either by yourself or with a few friends. This way, not only do you practice self-care and take care of your mental and physical health, but it is also an excellent opportunity to get creative. Who knows, maybe you’ll start a new hobby, like painting.
