Eight tips that will make self-care an everyday priority
Self-care doesn't need to feel like a chore you have to squeeze into your schedule. Here's how you can be intentional about "me time".
It is easy to put self-care at the bottom of your jam-packed to-do list. However, self-care is an essential part of your well-being, and it shouldn't be ignored.
Many people see self-care as something they can only do over the weekend, particularly on a laidback day like Sunday. They feel there isn't enough time on the weekday between work, family and other important commitments.
However, small, mindful actions can greatly impact your mental, emotional and physical well-being.
Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, going for a 20-minute walk, and making healthier food choices can do wonders for your mind, body, and soul.
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If you can do one thing a day that improves your life and/or makes you feel good, then you're on the right track.
The best part? It doesn't have to take hours out of your daily life. Here are eight ways to make self-care an everyday priority.
1. One-minute meditation
The way you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day, so why not make it positive and impactful? If your mornings are super busy and waking up earlier is not an option, all you need is 60 seconds for self-nurturing.
You can meditate for one minute, pray, journal or look in front of a mirror and list all the things you're grateful for.
While it won't magically smooth out your day, it will help you feel more prepared for whatever life throws your way. And, most importantly, it will leave you feeling good.
2. Bask in the sun
This one might seem a little crazy, but basking in the sun's glow before you start your day can do wonders for your mood. Getting your daily vitamin D boost has many benefits, including regulating your mood and helping you feel less depressed.
Standing in the sun for a few minutes makes you feel happy inside. However, be careful of too much sun exposure, especially on a hot day. The goal is to feel warm and fuzzy inside, not burnt and uncomfortable.
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It is well known that 'getting some sun' increases vitamin D production... UV exposure is the primary method of boosting serum vitamin D levels, which accounts for numerous health benefits.
3. Make a daily playlist
Music is food to the soul, and there's no better way to begin your day than with a dance in your step. Make a daily morning playlist of your favourite songs. These can be songs that make you feel happy, inspired or excited.
Listen to the playlist while you get ready for work, make breakfast, or clean the house.
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4. Desk-exercise
Whether you like it or not, exercise is something we all need to do. It benefits your physical appearance, as well as your health and well-being.
Actress Connie Ferguson opened up about how exercise helps keep her mental health in check, especially after she lost her husband, Shona.
"Exercise is good for so many different reasons, but the reason I commit even when I don’t feel like it, is because of its effect on my mental health! It’s been years that I’ve been off antidepressants, and even in the most challenging times, I managed to stay off," Ferguson shared in an Instagram post.
"Wake up, PRAY, exercise and go about your day," she added.
You don't need to do 60 minutes of cardio or spend hours in the gym (for now). If you have an office or work from home, try a short five or ten-minute desk workout.
Remember, the small, consistent changes make a big difference.
5. Shedule a "me-time" hour
Diarise daily "me-time" to take some time out to relax and drown out the noise. During this time, turn off your social media notifications, and do something that helps you forget the stresses of the day.
You can lie in your bed and stare at the ceiling, catch up on some book reading, indulge in an entertaining YouTube video or watch 30 minutes of your favourite Netflix/Showmax series.
ALSO READ: Work hard, play harder: Work-life balance tips
6. Show those pearly whites
Sometimes, a smile is all you need to put you back on track after a difficult day.
According to Verywell Mind, "Whether your smile is genuine or not, it can affect your body and mind in various positive ways, benefiting your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you."
Smile and greet people whose paths you cross. Imagine you are feeling worried about an interview and an interviewer greets you with a warm smile and handshake. That would instantly take some of the stress off your shoulders.
Smiling is also contagious, which is a win-win!
7. Look good, feel good, smell good
Don't wait for special occasions to use your favourite perfume or wear that fancy dress. Every day you wake up is a special occasion.
And, when you look good, you feel good!
8. Practice self-kindness
Don't forget to be kind to yourself when practising self-care.
We'll leave you with this quote from Oprah Winfrey about how to be kinder to yourself.
"Well, it starts with loving, right now, who you are. All of yourself. Your flaws. Living in a space of lack – focused on what you don't want or what you don't like about yourself – I promise you, I've learned, it doesn't work. Take a moment to look at what is really running through your mind about yourself that maybe is holding you back."
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