What is self care? Self Care refers to the activities individuals undertake with the intention of enhancing health, limiting illness, reducing stress and improving overall wellbeing.
When we are asked do you take care of yourself? Our natural response is ‘Of course’ but it’s when we are further investigated with HOW do you take care of yourself? we struggle to answer.
Self care is an intentional planned action to improve your own wellbeing.
Below we list some great self care strategies so that you can improve your own quality of life.
11 Top Tips For Self Care – Reduce Stress & Increase Wellbeing
Wake Up With Intent
Each morning you have two choices run the day or let the day run you.. It is very important to wake up with intent have a plan and know what your aiming to achieve for that day.
Know what time you want to be up by and stick to it.
Spend some time on yourself. Allocate a minimum of 15 minutes every morning that’s just for you, whether you exercise, meditate or go over your plan for the day.
A small amount of you time each morning can make a huge difference and there’s an endless list of successful people that practice the same habit.
Deep Breathing – Get Those Lungs Working
Another habit practiced by many successful people, Tony Robbins for one always includes deep breathing into his morning routine. Deep breathing has been scientifically proven to affect the heart, the brain, digestion and the immune system.
Research has shown that breathing exercises can have immediate effects by altering the pH of the blood, or changing blood pressure.
Some of the wide ranging benefits of deep breathing include;
Calm stress & anxiety.
Promote better blood flow.
Increase energy and alertness.
Decrease heart rate & blood pressure.
Detox your body (70% of toxins are released through via breathing.)
Improve digestion(of breakfast) improved nutrient utilisation.
So practise some deep breathing techniques in your next morning routine and start the day ready for for action.
Practice Gratitude
An often overlooked and underestimated activity. Practicing gratitude has the potential to be the most powerful activity you complete each morning.
Keep a journal beside your bed, and every morning write down (even a quick scribble is fine) things that you are grateful for. It can be anything some examples would be;
Happy to have a roof over your head.
Happy to be healthy.
Grateful to have family in your life.
Grateful for the friends you have.
Happy with how far you’ve come in life & the challenges you’ve already overcome.
Happy with how you look / improving health or fitness.
Before you know it you will start to realize just how lucky you are. That realisation can really light your inner spark. So remind yourself what your grateful for and you’ll start the day more positively than ever before.
Listen To Music
Whether it’s some relaxing instrumentals or even a motivational speech to start the day. Music can really bring you to life! You can even change your alarm to some music or a speech that really perks you up and you’ll wake up ready to take on the world.
Exercise To Energize
Stretch, swim, run, do yoga, hit the gym or whatever physical activity you enjoy. Exercise is a key part of self-care. The benefits of exercise are often only thought of as being aesthetic. But exercise has the potential to change your life entirely.
If you want more energy and to feel like you’re ready to jump out of your skin each day, exercise is for you! It doesn’t really matter what kind of exercise but just doing a small amount of exercise a few times a day will have you feeling like a new person in no time.
Meet With A Counselor/Coach/Mentor
This could be a psychologist, therapist, spiritual mentor or even your most positive friend! No you don’t need to have ‘problems’ to talk to someone. Just the very practice of speaking about your life, your goals and concerns, is a great way to lay out and organise your thoughts. Resulting in a much clearer sense of direction.
As Bill Gates said “Everyone needs a coach.” Even one of the most successful men on Earth has a coach. He recognises the power of having someone to discuss you thoughts with and being accountable to someone for your problems and challenges.
So find someone you can speak openly with, you’ll be surprised by the outcome!
Taking Time Out
Take the day off! I mean the entire day! and make sure you announce it to everyone ahead of time, so everyone knows that your switched off for that day.
Go somewhere calm and beautiful or do whatever you see as the best way to recharge your batteries. Knowing that everyone knows it’s your day off will reduce anxiety and allow you to unwind fully.
So give yourself the day off! You might find you’re stronger because of it.
Treat Yourself To A Healthy Meal
Do ever head out and consider indulging in some Oysters but think it’s a bit too extravagant or maybe it’s a healthy smoothie you’ve had your eye on. Give your self permission to just think about yourself for once and enjoy a generous nutrient rich meal.
When you are craving something, it can be a sign that your body is yearning for a specific nutrient that food contains! So trust what you’re craving and treat yourself once a week to that meal you really enjoy.
Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses At Night
If like many, you find yourself using your phone or kindle late at night. Consider buying some blue light blocking glasses. For a much better sleep.
You might be asking what do they do? Well I’m sure you’ve noticed that your phone keeps you awake, well the blue light blocking glasses are designed to block the light wavelengths that keep you awake.
So you can look at your device but it won’t affect your ability to fall asleep!
Do All Of Your Chores In One Day
Hold on a minute what do chores have to do with self care? Well the idea is to set a day that you will do the majority of your chores, blast your favourite tunes, jump around and get your heart pumping.
Not only are you getting active, you will feel a sense of accomplishment once you are done & it will make the week ahead much less stressful as you’ll feel on top of things.
Read Something Powerful
There are so many life changing books out there. A great book can transform your entire perspective on life! It will also give you a sense of peace being able to relax and immerse yourself in the books contents.
So pick up a good book today, It just might change your life!
What go to self care techniques do you swear by? We would love to hear your suggestions so share in the comments below!