Self-care doesn’t have to mean taking long bubble baths, getting massages, or going to a spa for the day. (Although all of those sound great, don’t they?)
It simply means doing some little things that feel good to you and that nurture you, every day. What works for one person might be stressful for another.
With that being said, here are ten things that will improve self-care for everyone.
1 – time alone. This doesn’t have to mean hours and hours. Maybe it means getting up 15 minutes earlier and spending a few minutes enjoying the peace and quiet with your coffee or tea.
Maybe it means taking a few minutes to relax after you put your kids to bed. For some people, going for a run or a walk gives them the exercise AND the time alone that they need. Think about when and where you could spend a few minutes alone with your thoughts. There are lots of ways you could use that time. Keep reading to see some ideas!
2 – prayer or meditation or both. I heard once that prayer is talking to God and that meditation is listening for God’s guidance. Some people like to read the Bible or a devotional before having a dedicated prayer time. Then they spend a few minutes in silence. They might not call it meditation, but it serves the same purpose of being still and quiet. Some people like to keep a journal of their prayer requests. Find what works for you.
3 – writing in a journal. This can take all kinds of different forms. You can use a journal to record things that happened during the day, keep a list of prayer requests, or use a journal as a place to process problems or issues and get some clarity. You don’t even have to write in it every day if you don’t want to.
One good way to use a journal is to write something called morning pages. You can read more about that process here. (This is just a small explanation of the process. If you want to read more, I recommend Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way.)
I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now and I can say that it really helps to get whatever anxious thoughts I have out of my head, onto the paper, and helps me focus on thinking about what I need to do. I do it first thing in the morning. It does help me get my day started on a more peaceful note because I’ve had a chance to clear my mind and get focused.
Some popular journals: a hardcover notebook (in lots of fun colors), a guided journal, a spiral-bound journal, or just a plain old spiral notebook. Whatever makes you happy!
4 – a gratitude practice. I make a gratitude list in my journal while I’m doing morning pages. Some people keep a list on their phones. Others don’t even write it down, but they do take time to think about at least five things for which they are grateful. Focusing on the good that is in your life already (even on the worst of days) helps you to stay positive and to continue to look for more of the good.
5 – photos that make you happy. You could scroll through your camera roll on your phone, use a digital photo frame, upload photos to an Amazon Echo Show (my favorite way), or print photos to post in places where you will see them often. These could be pictures of people or animals that you love, scenes that make you happy, or anything that is inspiring to you.
6 – your own space. Maybe it’s your own area of a room, maybe it’s an entire room, or maybe it’s a favorite comfy chair or couch. Establish a place for yourself where you go to relax or to spend some time alone, possibly reading or writing in your journal. Add objects nearby that make you happy – maybe some framed photos, a candle, a comfy throw or blanket, a stack of books. Time for yourself and a space that’s just for you are really important!
7 – use all the help you can get. Nobody can do everything, so don’t even try. What can you delegate to family members? Helping with dinner, doing all the cooking, folding laundry, taking out the trash, walking the dog? What can you hire someone else to do? Babysit for a few hours a week, clean your house, deliver groceries? Think about how you can delegate or eliminate some tasks, especially the ones you really dread.
8 – music or podcasts or books. Whatever makes you happy to listen to while you are driving or working or doing chores. My husband loves classical music. I sometimes listen to instrumental or classical music when I’m working, but often enjoy listening to a podcast or a book on Audible while I’m cooking or doing chores or running errands. Choose something that relaxes you or makes you happy.
9 – flowers or a plant. I buy inexpensive flowers at Trader Joe’s or my local grocery store once a week or so. If you don’t want to buy something that frequently, consider getting a low-maintenance plant. Just the sight of something green or blooming can lift your spirits!
10 – something to look forward to. This is important and it doesn’t have to be a big event, like a vacation or a holiday. Think of something that makes you feel happy or relaxed. For me, it might be curling up on my sofa with my iPad and Netflix. When I’m having an especially busy or stressful day, I think about something that I might do when I get home that will make me happy. Consider keeping a list of these kinds of things. But always keep something in mind that you look forward to doing or someone you look forward to seeing.
I hope this list got you thinking about some simple ways to take care of yourself! You are worth it.