Self-care Isn’t meant to be stressful or impractical. If it adds more work without commensurate stress relief, it’s not self-care.
Self-care isn’t meant to be another “should” on your long list of obligations
If “I should practice self-care” plays on repeat in your mind, it is probably adding additional stress to your daily life. Maybe you have been feeling inadequate because you haven’t yet prioritized self-nurturing activities. Cut it out! These behaviors increase the feelings that self-care is designed to alleviate. Another should on your overwhelming list is not helping you! Remember, self-care is only self-care if it is beneficial to you.
Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive
While you may choose an indulgent treatment from time-to-time, the best self-care involves little rituals incorporated into your daily life. These behaviors give you an energetic boost or relieve stress. Often, money is the greatest stressor in one’s life so trying to reduce stress with an expensive activity can increase feelings of anxiety.
Prioritize yourself
Simple self-care will change your life for the better.
Self-nurturing activities that bring peace of mind and make you feel comfortable, cozy, and cared for are often
Simple self-care practices that alleviate stress and boost confidence make you feel calm, clear, and ready to face the next challenge! Consider incorporating some of these simple changes (with enormous impacts):
Get your finances organized (create and stick to a budget). It sounds daunting, but in reality, creating a budget doesn’t take much time. Getting control over your finances can be the fastest way to build confidence and self-respect.
Making (and keeping) annual dental and medical appointments is self-care at its most straightforward. Really. Taking care of your health is the most important self-care ritual you can practice.
Getting daily exercise, even if that means taking the stairs or going for a quick walk at lunch (please TAKE a lunch break) is an easy way to treat yourself well. It’s amazing how many people fail to make time for this key behavior with such enormous impact!
Prepping meals and snacks ahead of time so that you can eat whole foods throughout the week. This one is the unicorn of self-care. I know. But it’s a game-changer! Start small with snacks or lunch and see how much better you feel eating real food instead of convenience snacks.
Get sufficient rest. Prioritize sleep; it makes everything else better. Nothing more to say here. You can do so much more when you are well-rested and sleep is free!