Self-care doesn’t mean a weekly trip to the spa. It’s literally just finding something that takes care of YOU. Here are 5 easy self-care tips.
Self-care is a buzzword on the Internet these days. It’s basically the new “treat yo’ self,” but with a less materialistic spin. However, I think that it’s a trend that actually has a ton of real benefits for people. I can’t tell you how many times I hear people say that they “don’t have time” for simple activities that are good for them. Like making time for yourself is a chore rather than a necessity. And I will admit that I used to be one of those people.
When I became a stay-at-home mom I found myself feeling like I had to be “on” 24/7. Since the home was my workplace, I felt like if I wasn’t taking care of the baby then I HAD to be doing house stuff. It didn’t take long (a few weeks) to realize that this was unhealthy and just wrong. I slowly started implementing time for myself into my schedule and I saw improvements in my attitude, health and productivity almost immediately.
Self-care doesn’t mean a weekly trip to the spa, it’s literally just finding something that takes care of YOU, mind, body and soul. It can be small and simple, but it changes everything. Here are a few easy self-care tips for everyday life.
5 Easy Self-Care Tips – How To Squeeze Self-Care Into Your Every Day Life
1. Do something that makes you feel put together.
This looks completely different for everyone. For me, it’s painting my nails once a week. I don’t know why, but painted nails just make me feel like I have my shit together. I could be in sweats with unwashed hair, covered in spit-up. But not all is lost if my nails are done. I know other women that get up first thing and put on real clothes. Others do their hair, or put on a full face of makeup. Some people may feel more put together if they meal-planned for the week or made a to-do list. It’s whatever works for you! My easy self-care tips is just do something that makes you feel ready to tackle your day/week.
2. Spend time unplugged.
Our phones, computers, tv, etc. run our lives from sun up until sun down, so sometimes we just have to turn them off. Getting out from behind a screen to go for a walk, read a book or meditate does wonders. I’ve slacked on this a lot lately, but I put my phone away at night. That unplugged time is part of my nighttime routine. I stop checking my phone every night 30 minutes before I go to bed. I use that time to read, stretch or just relax. It helps me sleep better, which makes me more well rested for the next day.
3. Take a long shower or a bath.
This is not something I do every day, but I do try to take a long shower at least once a week. This shower includes hair-washing, exfoliation, shaving, etc. It always makes me feel fresh and new. There is something to be said for the symbolism of “washing away” stress and anxiety. It may be more relaxing to take a long bath, maybe with a glass of wine and a book. Whichever you prefer. I’m not really a bath person, but I love a long, hot shower.
4. Start your day with a little alone time.
This one is an every day necessity for me. I am a better mother, wife and person in general when I get up and spend a little time by myself in the morning. I don’t always do the same thing every day, sometimes I check emails or work on blog stuff, other days I get a head start on chores. There are also days where I read or just sit in silence with my coffee and soak up the stillness of the morning. Just having a reserved time to wake up, drink my coffee and be alone is the best way I can take care of myself daily.
5. Put it on the calendar!
No matter what it is that you do to take care of yourself daily, make it part of your schedule. Set aside Tuesdays for your long shower, or doing your nails. Schedule your alarm to go off a little earlier so you can have that time in the morning. Do yoga on Fridays. Whatever. Just make sure it’s part of your routine and don’t cancel it. A friend recently said to me that every time we say we are going to do something for ourselves and don’t, we are essentially breaking a promise to ourselves over and over again. We wouldn’t do this to other people, so why do we accept that we can do it to ourselves. It’s time to put the days of running ourselves ragged to rest. Instead, let’s love and care for ourselves. We will be happier, healthier and better for it.
Read more about my nighttime routine, morning routine and tips for staying at home!
