In times like these, self-care is more important than ever. But focusing on yourself can be difficult when there is so much going on. How do you balance work, family, and social life while also making sure you pay enough attention to yourself?
There's no easy answer. But the following tips can help you center on yourself when you need to. Keep reading for seven self-care tips to help you live your life right.
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Practising good hygiene is great preventative medicine. Not only does it promote physical health, but it can help you maintain good emotional health, too. When we look our best, we generally tend to feel better.
The following things contribute to good personal hygiene:
- Bathing or showering regularly
- Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day
- Wearing freshly laundered clothes
- Brushing your hair every morning
- Cleaning and clipping your nails
Most of these things may seem like aesthetic issues. But really, maintaining good hygiene will help you sidestep physical illnesses that can cause you stress. For example, brushing your teeth will help you avoid cavities and gum diseases.
Many of these things are relatively small and easy tasks. But they have a profound impact in the long run.
2. Meditate
A lot of people feel as though they don't know how to meditate. And while there are traditional practices you can study, there are also a lot of different ways to bring meditation into your life. When meditating for self-care, the most important thing is simply making time to check in with yourself.
It doesn't matter if you have an hour or five minutes. Clear your mind of the clutter, and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing and nothing else.
If you have trouble concentrating on your breath work, filling your room with calming scents like lavender can be very helpful.
Then, ask yourself a few check-in questions.
How are you feeling today? What is bothering you? What would you like to accomplish today?
If it helps, you can pair this exercise with a stretching routine. Focus on connecting your mind and your body.
3. Maintain a Clean Personal Space
Clutter is the enemy of peace of mind. One of the best things you can do for your self-care is to keep your personal space organized.
There are a few key places that you should focus on keeping clean.
The first one is your workspace. If you have a desk or study in your home, make sure your papers or files are neatly organized. This will not only decrease stress but help ensure maximum productivity.
The second is your bedroom. Your room is where you end every day and start each new one. That's why you want it to be free of clutter.
If you fall asleep in a disorganized space, you might not sleep as well. And if you wake up amongst clutter, you are likely to start the day on the wrong foot.
Therefore, it's important for your emotional health to keep your personal spaces clean.
4. Keep a Journal
Like meditation, keeping a journal is a great way to check-in with yourself. Keep an intentional log of how you are feeling, and what you hope to accomplish every day.
A journal is a great space to manage and track your goals and ambitions. It will help you declutter your mind and establish a clear vision for the future.
5. Exercise
You've probably heard this one before, but exercise is integral to your wellbeing. Working out a couple of times per week is good for your physical health. But it is also good for your mental health because it stimulates endorphins and other positive chemicals.
And that's why exercise is a good step in any self-care routine. But you don't need to throw yourself into rigorous exercise without warning.
Add a yoga routine to your weekly regimen. Or walk around the neighborhood during your lunch hour. Just make sure that whatever you do, you are incorporating some movement into your day.
6. Maintain Your Gut Health
So much of your physical health revolves around your gut. Digestive health is a great thing to focus on when thinking about your self-care routine.
There are a couple of ways you can make sure your gut is functioning properly.
First, drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your digestive health.
Second, make sure you're getting enough supplements and staying on top of any prescriptions you use.
Sometimes prescriptions are expensive. Canadian drug prices tend to be more affordable than American ones. So if the price is a concern, explore Canadian sources as an option.
Another thing you have to do to maintain good gut health is to eat well. And fortunately, this is also a good self-care pointer.
Pick a few nights a week to cook a nice meal for yourself. It's a great way to take some time and focus on yourself.
7. Define Your Boundaries
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to clearly define your boundaries. This will help with stress management in your life.
You need to define clear boundaries in your work life and also with your friends and family. Learn to say “no” to things you feel you cannot take on.
It's going to feel strange at first, but remember that it is important to take care of yourself first. If you take on too much, you will struggle with all of it.
Focusing On Yourself and Self-Care
There's nothing wrong with focusing on yourself. You need to care for yourself first before you can take on anything else.
These seven tips will help you do just that. If you find ways to incorporate these things into your self-care regimen, you will likely find more balance and tranquillity in your life.
But if you're still struggling, we have more tips for you. Check out our Health Guide section for more advice on self-care.
