9 Easy Ways To Practice A Little Self-Care
Sometimes in a world full of bad news or when our lives just get way too busy, it’s easy to forget about taking care of your No. 1: Yourself.
While we’re all really good at being there for our family, mates, coworkers etc. sometimes during all of this, you may lose sight of checking in with yourself.
Self-care doesn’t have to be a burden or something that you have to fit into your schedule. There are lots of little ways to make sure you’re doing a good job at taking care of yourself on a daily basis.
So if you’re in need of a little self-care inspiration, check out the following tips:
1. Download a meditation app
Whether you do it once a day or just start with a couple of times a week, meditating can be a great way to just take a moment and de-stress. The positive effects of mediation include improving your focus, helping you sleep better and, of course, helping eliminate stress from your life.
Try: Headspace has a great app to start with and has a free 10-day beginners guide.
2. Switch off your phone or put it on flight mode, even if it’s just for an hour
We’re so constantly plugged in that sometimes taking the time out with your constantly buzzing device is a great way to kick back and relax. And if you’re anything like me, even if you do try to relax by watching TV, half the time you’re just on social media anyway. Turn that thing off!
Try: Leaving your phone in your room while you take a bath, read a book, or watch a TV show.
3. Find a new podcast, plug in, and soak up some Vitamin D
Whether you’re into true crime, comedy, or lifestyle/wellness podcasts, get some recommendations from friends and tie it in with getting a little sun/fresh air.
Try: Going for a walk while listening — it could soon become a great habit of getting some fresh air, daily steps, and new episodes in.
4. Grab a coffee with a friend*
Banter and a hit of caffeine, what could be better?
Try: Find a cute cafe, grab your mate/s and finally lock in that long overdue catch-up.
Editor’s note: With the current Covid-19 restrictions, we’d suggest changing this to organising a Facetime chat with a friend, while drinking coffee (or let’s be real, wine).
5. Keep a gratitude diary
Write down 3-5 things that made you feel happy that day. It could be someone paying you a compliment or the fact you treated yourself to a delicious cookie. Anything works!
Try: Setting aside the same time each night to get into a routine.
6. Do some meal prep
Whether you’re working, studying, or even doing both, sometimes weeks can fill up faster than you can say Monday. Spend some of your Sunday doing some meal prep and take away some extra stress for the days ahead.
Try: Making a big batch of a recipe and freezing portions for the days when you know you don’t have time to cook.
7. Play your favourite songs
Sometimes just blasting your fave tunes is the only self-care you need.
Try: Collating a playlist of all your faves, that way you have easy access for the days you really need it.
8. Order in and watch your fave movie
There’s something in that whole treat yourself thing that can’t be ignored.
Try: Saving it for a day/night when you’re really going to need it — think after a busy week, it can be your Friday night treat.
9. Pamper yourself
Face masks, a beauty routine, washing your hair, finally using your fave bath bomb, fake-tanning, getting a massage, going for a facial — whether it’s at home or not, giving yourself some TLC is never a bad thing.
Try: Order in some beauty supplies from your fave store and get pampering.