Self care can be difficult. Oftentimes we prioritize work, commitments, and responsibilities over ourselves. However, in the past year, it’s become clear that we all need to work on self care to keep mentally and physically well. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean taking huge parts of your day away from other things you have to get done. It can be small acts of kindness to yourself and your body in order to improve your life.
1. Drink Water
Simple. But do you actually do it enough? Add lemons to your water, add ice, get a nice water bottle, or anything that makes you enjoy this small act of care to your body. Download a tracking app like Hydro Coach or WaterMinder to make it fun.
2. Decompress
Find a habit that helps you relax at the end of the day. Maybe it’s making sure you have 15 minutes of quiet before bed, doing yoga, or reading a book. It could be a hot shower or even just some time away from your phone. Prioritize spending several moments doing something to relax yourself at the end of every day. This way you can manage your stress and create a better mindset for a good night of sleep.
3. Keep Track of the Good Things
In a journal, on your phone’s notes app, or wherever you keep track of things, remember to write down the highlights of your day. Don’t focus on the negative things but rather the small moments that made each day a good one. It could be a compliment you received, a nice act of kindness from a stranger, or anything that made you happy. Whenever you’re in a negative mood or a stressed mindset, read your list and help yourself focus on the good. Even the act of reflecting on your day to pick a moment will help lead to a better mental space.
4. Skincare
You don’t have to have a crazy or complicated skincare routine. But go out and buy yourself some sheet masks at Marshalls or look on Pinterest for an easy DIY mud mask. You’ll feel good about yourself after taking the time to love your skin. No matter what your skin struggles are, just remember all things change with time and care. Don’t beat yourself up over acne or oil or pores. Just enjoy the moment of taking care of yourself with whatever routine works best for you.
5. Work Out
Working out is different for everyone. Running isn’t everyone’s favorite but there’s so many ways to take care of your body and work out, even at home. Go on YouTube and try the 8 minute abs workout. Order resistance bands off of Amazon and do some simple workouts in your room where you’re comfortable. Try a yoga tutorial. Just take 30 minutes to release your stress in a healthy way and care for your body with some exercise. You’ll sleep better and feel better.
There might be some self care not on the list that you love the most. Self care is a very personal thing. Whatever it is, take time for yourself. Things are stressful. Work is hard. School can freak you out. Remember that you live in your body so take care of it. Prioritize yourself in some way every single day. You’re the main character so love yourself in whatever way is best for you.