How To Make Practical Self-Care A Priority

How To Make Practical Self-Care A Priority

NAVIGATION

We can only effectively care for and maintain our home, relationships, pets, and loved ones well if we care for ourselves first. Self-care is actually one of the most compassionate things we can do! These easy-to-adopt activities and tips can help you learn how to start prioritizing practical self-care today.

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Hi, I’m Ryan

In order to do my best for others, I’ve made practical self-care a priority for myself. Taking some time to address core aspects of my life allows me to reduce stress, feel re-energized, and shine.

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What Is Practical Self-Care?

What Is Practical Self Care

Practical self-care is when we take simple steps to protect and promote our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

practicing-self-careFor some people, practicing self-care seems too self-indulgent. Who has the time to spend weeks vacationing in France for downtime? Most people can’t even break away for an all-day excursion at the local spa. I can relate to that. A busy and productive life doesn’t leave much time for elaborate self-care routines.

That’s why a more practical self-care definition works for me. Simple principles and guidelines addressing my foundational needs allow me to prioritize my own well-being in ways that make sense. I easily fit these important routines and rituals into my daily life, and they allow me to better handle important responsibilities with greater ease.

If realistic self-care appeals to you, here are some activities and tips to consider.

Why Is Practical Self Care Important?

Why Is Practical Self Care Important

Practical self-care helps me stay present and engaged. How do I care for myself in a way that lets me do this every day?

Self-care begins with knowing yourselfSelf-care begins with knowing myself. I recognize when I’m feeling stressed out and address the issue head-on rather than ignore it. To do this, I need to understand what works for me.

Everybody is different. Do a deep dive and ask yourself, “How can I show myself kindness and care? What will help me to feel good about myself?”

Once you honestly answer these questions, you can start taking steps toward really caring for yourself effectively.

Practical Self-Care Benefits

Caring for yourself in practical ways is easier than you might think and can inspire some pretty noticeable improvements right away. When I started practicing self-care, I experienced tangible physical and mental benefits that included:

The Benefits of Self-Care

  • Improved physical health
  • Less stress and anxiety
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Increased happiness
  • Resilient mental health
  • Healthier relationships
physical and mental benefits of self care

Practical Self-Care Activities

Practical Self-Care Activities

Major life changes, stress, illness, and so many other things can affect our ability to practice regular self-care. It’s easy to let this crucial task fall by the wayside, until one day you find yourself wondering, “Why don’t I take better care of myself?”

More often than not, the answer is, “I’m too busy,” or “I just don’t have the time.” Sound familiar?

When you make yourself a priority, self-care is rewarding. Some of the most effective self-care activities only require a commitment to simple living and take about 10 minutes. We all have time for that, I promise!

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.

how to organize a small house

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.

minimalist workout routine

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.

How to Start a Bullet Journal

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.
minimalist daily routine

Simple Self-Care Tips

Simple Self Care Tips

Finding time for a self-care routine is challenging, but putting it off altogether negatively impacts your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Just a few minutes a day makes all the difference in the world.

So how do you use your time effectively to take better care of yourself? Here are some ways to get started.

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.

sunday reset

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.
30-day declutter challenge

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.

places to go to clear your head

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.

what is minimalist living

Other Things To Know About Practical Self-Care

Other Things To Know About Practical Self Care

Sometimes we need more than practical self-care tips. If you’re prioritizing mental health on your own and still feeling anxious, consider seeking professional help. Therapists often use basic self-care ideas or principles and find new ways to help you create the peace you’re seeking.

Categories Of Self-Care

Once you begin using these tips and suggestions, you’ll find lots of ways to improve your self-care routines. While details and activities will change depending on the area you’re focusing on, the principles and mindset stay the same. Consider these different categories that make up the whole you:

Types of Self-Care

  • Emotional
  • Practical
  • Physical
  • Mental
  • Social
  • Spiritual
self care includes physical and social

RULES OF SELF-CARE

  1. This is a lifestyle.More than just a fad, these are substantive changes to implement every day.
  2. Re-evaluate as you go.Your favorite self-care rituals will evolve and grow as you do.
  3. Let go of things that no longer serve you.Sometimes self-care involves adding activities or routines, while other times it means eliminating them.
  4. Don’t compare yourself to others.This is your journey!
Your Turn!

  • What practical self-care activity will you try first?
  • Which tips will help you get started today?

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