How You Can Introduce Self Care in Your Life

Self Care is something that is being discussed more and more these days. Some people still view it as an indulgence that is, quite frankly, selfish. However, self-care is far from that. The definition of self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.

Think of it this way, you can’t pour from an empty jug, can you? If there is nothing left, you simply fill it back up again. The same applies to your mental and physical health too. If you are stretching yourself too thin and being pulled in too many different directions at once, you are going to find your jug empties really quickly. Self-care is simply refilling that jug in whatever way works for you.

But what actually is classed as self-care and how do you know if you are doing enough? The best thing about self-care is that there is no right or wrong way, only what is right for you. Regardless of how much time or money you have, self-care is doing something that helps you feel better, relaxed and recharged. No matter what the activity is.

Practising Self-Care.

So what are the best ways we can implement self-care into our daily lives that will help us to recharge and take better care of ourselves? There are many easy and simple things you can no matter how busy your day is or limited your budget. It doesn’t need to be flashy or extravagant if you don’t want it to be, although there is nothing stopping if you that is how you want to indulge in your self-care time!

Let’s have a look at some ways you can practise self-care and help you take better of yourself.

Self Care at Home

As we mentioned above, you can easily practise self-care at home for minimal or no cost and we have some really easy ideas to get you started.

One of the best ways is to simply stop. Carve out some time wherever you can to do absolutely nothing. Take a nap or lie down on your bed or sofa. Even 15 minutes can be beneficial in helping you recharge.

The act of resting itself can work wonders and could be all you need. So if you have to wait for the kids to go to bed to catch some alone time, or just need to switch off and stop for a little while, schedule the time into your day or week to relax. Power napping for 30 to 60 minutes has proven results in boosting decision-making skills, remembering vocabulary and directions.

If you are looking for other ways to practise self-care at home then check out the list below to see if you can add any into your day.

• Read a book.
• Take a bath.
• Switch of electronics
• Meditate.
• Take up a new hobby.
• Watch your favourite tv show.
• Watch a film.
• Start a diary.
• Have an early night or a later morning.
• Take a rest day when you have no plans.
• Treat your body to some pampering.
• Have a declutter.

Are there any other ways you can implement self-care into your life? That all depends on you. But here are some great ideas of ways to take time out and look after your body and your mind too!

Exercise

Exercise is proven to not only keep your body in great condition, but it can also have many benefits for your mental health too. Research has shown that exercise can help in reducing stress, increasing concentration, self-esteem and self-confidence too. Let’s not forget the rush of endorphins that your body releases as you exercise, that feel-good feeling you get after a good workout can really help you feel better mentally and physically.

If you aren’t up for a physical gym session then why not go for a swim!

Body & Beauty Treatments

If you are in need of some pampering then booking in for a massage can be an excellent stress reliever. As well as being a great way to ease physical tension, it can also help reduce stress too as it allows your body and mind to relax during the treatment and forget about everything else going on.

Other options can be things such as getting a beauty treatment eg, a facial, or getting your haircut. Let someone else look after you for a while and allow them to pamper you whilst you relax in the salon.

If you’re looking for a confidence boost, then why not opt to do something you have been wanting to do for a long time! If you have been thinking of getting a tattoo or piercing, then why not book to go ahead with this! The same if you fancy getting a makeover.

Treat Yourself!

If you are able to or want to really indulge then why not look at getting away. Book a night or two at a spa for the ultimate in relaxation or getaway for the weekend and visit somewhere on your bucket list. A getaway is a perfect way to recharge your batteries away from home and really get that rest and relaxation you need.

If you can’t get away for a short break, then why not look at getting away from the evening. Book a babysitter if you need and enjoy some time doing something you don’t normally. Catch a movie at the cinema, go for a meal or just catch up with friends. If it makes you feel better then it is worth doing.

There are so many ways for you practise self-care, and none of them is selfish or indulgent. We all need to make sure we are caring for ourselves so we can be in the best place physically and emotionally to be able to function in our day to day and deal with everything that entails.