You may not have the time to practice self-care by taking a long and luxurious bath with all the extra relaxation elements you see in the media messages. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options that you can fit into a busy schedule.
When you think of self-care, you have to get rid of the idea that there’s a correct or picture-perfect way to do it.
It can be challenging to know where to start. Here are seven habits you will want to add to your self-care routine. Whether you perform them daily, weekly, once a month, or whenever you need a quick reset, make it a priority to add the following seven items to your list.
1. Start the Day with a Glass of Water
Did you know that when you wake up in the morning, you’re slightly dehydrated? This can lead you to start your day feeling sluggish, slow, or tired. To combat this, have an eight-ounce glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. The cold water can kickstart your metabolism, help chase sleep remnants away, and ensure you start off energized and ready to tackle all of your projects.
2. Start a Positivity File or Jar
No matter how bad your day goes or how you feel, there is always one or two things you can feel grateful for. This could be your car, your home, or it could be something simpler such as completing a few tasks on your list or that you’re healthy. Make a point to write down at least one or two things each day you can add to your positivity file or jar. Go back and look at them wherever you need a quick pick me up.
3. Take Five Every Day
It’s essential that you take time to breathe and decompress every day. Since self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or lavish, you can do something as simple as sitting back and relaxing for five minutes each day. Put your phone away, switch off the computer, and just sit with your thoughts for five minutes. It’s a very quick and easy way to organize yourself and stop from being overwhelmed.
4. Exercise for at Least 30 Minutes a Day
You don’t have to do a high-intensity, full workout each day. However, it’s important that you get up and move for at least 30 minutes a day. It can be a simple lunchtime stroll to a solid gym session. This is good for both your mental and physical health, and it’s a bonus if it’s outside in a green space. If you can’t carve out a full 30-minutes a day, take three 10-minute sessions.
5. Sleep
Most people don’t get enough sleep each night. You should average between seven to nine hours a night. When you sleep, your brain works to get rid of toxins, builds neural highways, and consolidates your memory. Around an hour before you go to bed, put away the electronics, relax and avoid caffeine. This can help you fall asleep faster and get a more restful sleep.
6. Meditate
Practicing meditation can help reduce your blood pressure, depression symptoms, and anxiety. You don’t even need a huge amount of equipment to get started or any fancy classes. You can get a yoga mat, pull up a YouTube video, and take 15 to 30 minutes each day learning how to meditate. Try it in the morning to start your day off right, or do it right before bed to relax and unwind to help you get to sleep.
7. Practice Good Posture
Do you sit hunched over your computer each day? If so, poor posture can lead to body aches, decreased productivity, and more. Try sitting up in your chair, put your hands on your thighs, and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold this pose for five seconds, and repeat it three or four times each day. This can help improve your posture and make you more productive overall.
Bottom Line
These seven self-care tips are something you can try to incorporate into your daily routine. They can help you feel better, be more productive, and have better physical and mental health overall. Start with one and slowly work the rest into your regular daily routine today.