When was the last time you did something for yourself? For some, it may be hard to recall the last time you really took time out of your day for a little self-care. Dealing with all of the obligations and responsibilities that come along with adulthood can be tough, and when you spend all of your energy focused on taking care of others in your life, it can be hard to justify sparing another moment to take care of yourself.
If that sounds familiar, it’s time to make a change. Self-care is incredibly important for your mental well being, and it doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to show yourself a little kindness, either. Not convinced? Here are ten simple little ways you can practice self-care every day:
Make yourself a healthy and delicious snack. You need food to fuel you as you navigate your day. Instead of grabbing fast food or some overly-processed snack that won’t leave you feeling great, show yourself a little love and indulge in something a little bit better.
Listen to your favorite song. Music has the power to make a difference in your mood. Listening to something fun and upbeat can be an easy and effective way to turn your day around or brighten your spirits if you feel like the stress of the day is starting to get to you. Throw on your favorite song while you’re getting ready in the morning for an early boost, or put on some headphones and treat yourself to a little break at your desk.
Unplug for a little while. One great way to practice self-care is to allow yourself to disconnect from the world for a little while. Switch your cell phone to airplane mode and spend some time free from the distractions of text messages and email notifications. Even ten minutes without your technology can make a difference in your mindset.
Focus on the positive. Dwelling on negative things that happen isn’t a great way to show yourself kindness. In fact, it’s the opposite. A great way to embrace self-care is to consciously focus on the positive in life. Find someone to thank for something they’ve done, or challenge yourself to find at least five things to celebrate on your commute to work. Shifting your mindset can do amazing things.
Meditate for five minutes. Meditation has been proven to bring a whole host of mental health benefits, from reducing stress to boosting your ability to concentrate. Not sure where to start? A quick search in your phone’s app store will pull up a number of apps that offer guided meditations and other resources for beginners and people on the go.
Spend some time outside. Treat yourself to a little sunlight and fresh air. Taking a brief walk, or even sitting quietly outdoors for a few minutes during a break, can really do wonders for your stress levels and mental state. Close your eyes and appreciate the warmth of the sun on your skin, and you may be surprised to find your worries melt away.
Connect with someone. Humans are social creatures, and we rely on our connections with others to maintain our mental health. Reach out to a friend or loved one and spend a couple of minutes catching up. Even a quick text message exchange can provide a short break from the stress of the day.
Practice positive affirmations. Words can be far more powerful than we realize. Speaking positive affirmations out loud may feel a little odd at first, but it’s an oddly effective way to feel more empowered and confident as you navigate your day.
Take a coffee break. Do you love to relax with a warm cup of coffee or tea? Slow down for a few minutes and treat yourself to your favorite beverage as a little treat during a hectic day.
Let yourself say no. Many of us find ourselves so stressed out and overwhelmed because we don’t know when enough is enough. Being the person who’s always available to help can be great, but you need to make sure you prioritize your mental health over social obligations or doing favors for friends and family. It’s ok to decline an invitation or change your plans if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
These are only a handful of ways you can show yourself a little love every day. Which of these self-care suggestions resonates the most with you? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
