7 Simple Acts of Self-Care
Self-care is difficult for many because it’s hard to justify the time spent on it. I have an entire argument for why self-care is a more effective use of your time than nearly anything else, but I’ll save that for another day.
This is for those of you who need to squeeze in some self-care in your limited time.
#1 Level-up your physical space.
Declutter, light candles (or run a diffuser), and keep feel-good background music playing as often as possible.
#2 Control what you are exposed to as best as you can.
Unfollow anything or anyone on social media whose posts don’t make you feel good. “Unfollowing” negative people in real life is even better.
#3 Feed your body good food.
I’m not saying go on a diet or only eat healthy things…let’s be real. Instead, try swapping the morning coffee for a cup of hot tea (pick a flavor that is soothing!) with honey. If you are going to have some chocolate (and you should because you deserve it!) make sure it’s good quality, and savor each bite. And if you occasionally eat the whole box, recognize that something in your probably needed that, and let it be okay.
#4 Slow down, notice, and appreciate the little things.
The sound of the rain against the window. The smell of that tea we talked about earlier steeping in your mug. The smile your child gave you when he first saw your face after school (even if it’s followed by a slew of complaints and frustrations). Search for the tiny amounts of good in everything you can. This will inevitably boost your overall happiness. What you seek, you will find.
#5 Fuzzy socks and a warm blanket.
Because, self explanatory. Everyone should always be in fuzzy socks, wrapped in a warm blanket. Just my opinion.
#6 Make a list each morning of a few things you would like to accomplish that day
This can be as simple as making a home-cooked meal. Then revisit it at night. Give yourself credit for anything you were able to cross off, and forgive yourself for what you didn’t.
#7 BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Talk to yourself as you would talk to your best friend. We all have so much going on in our lives, and it’s okay not to always be okay.
These are all small, pretty manageable things that don’t completely shift your life and schedule. When you feel good about small things, you can address the larger issues from a better headspace more effectively, and we can begin to practice some well-deserved self-compassion.
