We often overlook self-care, but it should be an important aspect of your life. You can’t fill up someone else’s tank if yours is running on empty. In today’s hustle culture, we all need a little less hustle and a lot more me-time.
Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s actually self-preservation. Taking care of number one needs to be a priority. Psst: That’s you. You’re number one, in case you forgot. And you deserve to be treated like the queen you are.
A lot of articles on self care tips will tell you not to hit snooze, to open the blinds to let the light in, and to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. After this, meditate or journal, or both, and say five things you’re grateful for.
These are all great habits to get into, but let’s dig a little deeper into some self-care practices for those days when you need a little extra love.
As much as you’d enjoy indulging in a spa day every month, your credit card might have something to say about that. Here are some self-care tips that you can implement right away without spending a ton of money.
5 Self Care Tips That You Can Implement Right Away
1. Go for a Walk.
Yes, self-care really can be that simple. Nature is healing, and so is exercise, so when you combine the two, you get a self-care double whammy. Life gets so busy that we rarely take a moment for ourselves anymore.
The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, put on your shoes and jacket and head out the door. If you live near a park or trails, I’d beeline straight there. Forest bathing is free and a very effective form of self-care.
2. Pour Yourself Some Bubbles.
These can be in the form of Champagne, prosecco, or San Pelligrino with a fresh slice of lemon. I want you to get fancy, so you’re going to have to break out a good crystal glass for this one.
Sometimes when we are feeling down or just downright overwhelmed, it helps to put ourselves into a different frame of mind. Drinking Champagne, or sparkling juice, out of a crystal flute helps us to envision ourselves in a different light. One that is prosperous, rich, and successful. Level up your mindset with this sneaky self-care trick.
3. Read a Book or Listen to an Audiobook.
Escaping from daily life can help us to reset and feel refreshed. I want you to pick a romance novel or an adventure travel story. This book needs to transport you to another place or time.
Far too many people use their free time to binge-watch reality TV when in actuality, reading is a far better use of time. Reading a book allows your creativity to roam free. Get lost in a good book and watch your stresses melt away.
4. Set Boundaries and Commit to Them.
Stop saying yes to others and no to yourself. Creating boundaries is important because it teaches others to treat you with respect. Give yourself that same respect. Many of us are people-pleasers, and we feel guilty when we say no to an invitation. Time for ourselves is quickly diminished as we fill up our days and nights with commitments to others.
It’s time to ditch that mindset and make yourself a priority. Only say yes to events that you truly want to attend. It’s not rude to excuse yourself and say that you have a prior engagement. Even if that date is with yourself. If you would rather stay home and read in your pajamas than attend a party, politely decline the invitation and enjoy your evening.
5. Upgrade Your Living Space With a New Plant or Scented Candles.
This shouldn’t be a major purchase, just something small that you’ll enjoy. When we purchase something, we get a dose of endorphins and dopamine, the happy drugs.
Use this one-time purchase to shift yourself into a better mood. Be wary that you don’t start doing this all the time. Use this self-care tip carefully and only purchase something that will give you long-term happiness, such as a plant or photo frame, to share one of your favorite moments. We don’t want to ruin this endorphin rush with the dreaded buyer’s remorse.
Five More Self-care Tips To Try Today
1. Order a Stunning Bouquet of Flowers To Be Delivered to Your Door.
This just might be the best $30 you’ll ever spend on yourself. There is something inherently lovely about a fresh bouquet of flowers sitting on your office desk or kitchen table. Flowers make the best centerpieces.
Don’t wait for someone else to buy you flowers. Do it for yourself and then act surprised when the delivery guy arrives with them. “What, flowers, for me?” I wonder who they’re from. Wink. Your secret is safe with me.
2. Take a Nap.
This is one self-care tip that you might find odd, but napping is definitely a form of taking care of yourself. Can you honestly say that you get a solid 8-hours of sleep every night? I didn’t think so.
On days that you are struggling to concentrate or get tasks accomplished, take a short 20-minute nap. I find that this is the sweet spot for napping. Napping for longer may make you more sluggish and less productive than you were before you lay down.
3. Watch a Comedy Show.
I once read that if you’re in a bad mood, smile for 10 seconds, and you can’t help but start smiling for real. It does work, but I’m bringing that tip up a notch by recommending you watch a comedy for 20-30 minutes.
I find that real, authentic laughing is a much better stress reliever than fake smiling. Laughter really is the best medicine. True self-care means taking care of your mind, body, and spirit.
4. Take a Staycation.
This can be as simple as booking a date night for yourself with a dinner at your favorite restaurant followed by a glass of wine in a bubble bath. It can also be a full-fledged staycation, including booking a hotel for the night, complete with spa treatments and in-room dining.
It is rare that we not only take a night for ourselves but that we play tourist in our hometowns. When taking a vacation isn’t an option, try being a tourist where you live. You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have.
5. Do Something That Makes You Happy and Sets Your Soul on Fire.
This will be different for each and every person, but you should know what it is for you. If not, then you’ve got some homework! We are often tired not from doing too much but from doing too little of what actually makes us happy.
Take some time to engage in your hobbies. Think back to what you used to love doing when you had more free time. Whatever that thing or activity is, it’s likely what’s missing from your life today.
The secret to happiness isn’t really all that secret. While we all have chores and daily tasks that we don’t enjoy doing, it is vital for us to find time to engage in activities that we find pleasure in.
Don’t let life get so busy that you forget to take care of yourself. Try doing something just for you each and every day. Life is meant to be enjoyed, so be sure to sprinkle some self-care into your life today.
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