We all know the importance of taking care of our bodies - eating right, getting enough exercise, getting enough sleep. But what about taking care of our minds and our souls? Self-care is just as important as physical care, maybe even more so. After all, if we don't love and take care of ourselves, who will? Self-care practices can range from simple things like taking a relaxing bath at the end of a long day to more involved activities like taking a yoga class or going on a weekend getaway. No matter what form it takes, self-care is essential for maintaining our mental and emotional wellbeing.
In fact, studies have shown that self-care can lead to increased self-love, self-worth, and self-esteem. Not to mention, it can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost your immune system. In other words, self-care is pretty darn important—and it's time we start taking it seriously.
But what exactly is self-care?
Self-care is any activity that you do deliberately in order to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. This could be anything from going for a run to taking a break from social media to journaling before bed. Basically, if it makes you feel good—mentally, emotionally, or physically—it counts as self-care!
One important thing to note is that self-care looks different for everyone. What works for one person might not work for another—and that's ok! The most important thing is that you find activities that work for you and make them a part of your regular routine.
How to get started with self-care
If you're new to the world of self-care, don't worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
1. Set aside some "me" time each day
Dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to doing something that makes you happy—no strings attached. This could be anything from reading a good book to taking a yoga class to exploring a new neighbourhood. Just make sure that you're doing it for yourself and no one else.
2. Make time for exercise
Exercise isn't just good for your physical health—it's also great for your mental wellbeing. In fact, research has shown that even moderate exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety while boosting mood and energy levels. So if you haven't already, make time for exercise in your daily routine (even if it's just a brisk walk around the block or 10 jumping jacks in your bedroom!).
3. Unplug from technology
I know, I know—this one is easier said than done. But making an effort to unplug from technology can do wonders for your mental health. Whether it means putting away your phone an hour before bed or taking a social media break on weekends, give yourself some much-needed screen-free time every day.
4. Find a hobby
Having a hobby is a great way to relax and destress after a long day. If you don't have one already, now's the perfect time to find one! Whether it's painting or hiking or cooking or gardening (the list goes on and on), hobbies are a great way to practise self-care without even realising it.
Self-care isn't just about taking care of your physical health—it's about taking care of your mental wellbeing too. And trust me when I say that it's worth the effort! From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting mood and energy levels, there are tons of benefits associated with making self-care, self reflection and relaxation a part of your daily routine.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to start practising some serious self-care!
What do you have planned for today? I’d love to hear about some of your favourite self-care practices, via comments below or email.
Have a beautiful day!
xo Bee