How To Make Practical Self-Care A Priority

Practical Self-Care Activities

Read A Chapter Of Your Favorite Book

Escape for a few moments into any genre and you’ll return to your own life feeling invigorated and inspired.

Listen To Your Favorite Playlist

Countless studies show that music increases happy moods and energy. I make playlists for all kinds of activities like exercising, dinnertime, or hikes with friends. Life is better with a soundtrack!

Organize Your Home

Tackle one space, room, or task at a time to give yourself a satisfying sense of accomplishment – and a clutter-free home.

Meditate

Mindfulness meditations include sitting quietly and counting your breaths. How simple is that? If I feel my mind wandering, I gently return to my breath. No judgments. No complicated mantras. I just sit and be.

Focus On Breathwork

Simple breathing exercises reduce stress and anxiety. Try this: Breathe in for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and breathe out for eight seconds. You’ll feel better in no time!

Exercise

Walk around the block, neighborhood or office building. Stand up and stretch from time to time when you’re working, completing a project, or sitting for long periods. Even short spurts of physical activity bring enormous health benefits.

Use Essential Oils

Scents and oils in a diffuser at home or in the office, help create a comfortable space and can also make us feel less stressed.

Be Creative

Try engaging with your creative side in fun ways, like doodling, painting, drawing, writing, and dancing.

Keep A Self-Care Journal

Journaling is a great way to reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness. Write about your emotions, inspiring self-care quotes, and simple diary entries, or jot down thoughts as you go through your day.

Sleep Or Rest

A quick power nap, or simply closing your eyes and imagining peaceful scenes can recharge your batteries in no time. You’d be surprised at how easy it is to sneak these quick rests into your day.

Go Outside

Sit on your porch or balcony or walk to a nearby park. Listen to the birds, smell the flowers, smile at children playing or watch the rain. I start every day with a walk outside, and it really changes my entire outlook on the day.

Connect With Others

Send a text message or create space for quick phone calls to touch base with friends and family.

Create Simple Rituals

Develop a simple skincare routine that pampers you every morning. At 7 p.m. each evening, I eat a piece of dark chocolate and talk about my day with a loved one.

Self-Care Tips

Start And End Your Day With Self-Care

The easiest way to incorporate self-care into your day is to set aside time in the morning before everyone wakes up and the day begins. You can also establish lovely nighttime rituals to end your day peacefully.

Create Sacred Moments

What little things would help you to enjoy your day more? Sitting down with that cup of coffee in the morning? Maybe hugging your kids before they run off to school? It’s not too late to start now!

Start Over

Whenever you feel pulled in a million different directions, center yourself and begin again, wherever you feel most comfortable. Remember, there are no rules or finish lines here. Move at your own pace.

Adjust Expectations

It’s disheartening to put a lot of effort into something new just to have the results fall short of expectations. If you’re feeling let down after your first try, make sure you’re being fair and reasonable, especially with yourself.

Involve Your Senses

Create ways to bring smells, tastes, sounds, and sights into your day in new or creative ways. I do that by cooking something delicious, opening the curtains or windows, burning some incense, or playing classical music in the background as I go about my day.

Keep A To-Do List

When managing your time, goals, and expectations, it can help to write down what you need to accomplish each day. Don’t forget to include self-care items on your list!

Challenge Yourself

Do something tough but manageable every day. These might be chores, exercising when you don’t want to, or making that doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off. It should be something you’ll be proud of yourself for doing.

Reward Yourself

When you achieve a goal or milestone, celebrate what you’ve done in a way that’s meaningful to you. I like to reward myself with a special dinner or movie night with my girlfriend.

Save Happy Lists

This can be things you’re grateful for, quotes about self-care, names of people you love, or anything that makes you feel better.

Give Yourself Permission

Use kind self-talk to encourage yourself with these tips and activities. Create a mantra to use when you need inspiration. Maybe, “You’re doing great!” or “Keep up the good work!” Write your mantra on post-its and place them strategically around your home or office.

Get Quiet

Don’t underestimate the value of peace and quiet. Find a go-to space that allows you to envelope yourself in silence when needed.

Be Kind To Yourself

Smile early and often every day. When you’re brushing your teeth or applying makeup look in the mirror and grin, you’ll be surprised how this can lift your spirits. Learn the importance of loving yourself.

Savor Good Times

Close your eyes and breathe deeply when you’re eating a delicious piece of fruit, or when you’ve finished an exhilarating workout. Acknowledge that you’re enjoying yourself.

Do More Than Bandage

Every self-care plan must be about looking for solutions to problems instead of addressing symptoms. The answers I find often lead to important lifestyle changes.