Self Care: Back to Basics

‘Self care’ is a real hot topic at the minute. What do those words evoke in your mind? For me, I picture bubble baths, pedicures, spa days. But what does self care actually mean? Google defines it as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress”.

I have spent sometime recently pondering what I can do to incorporate more self care activities into my life, and sometimes things like a seemingly simple bubble bath seem so out of reach (finding the time when the kids aren’t around, having the energy to clear away all their bath toys…). So what are the really basic, simple things we can do to boost our well-being and happiness? Here are a few suggestions of some (free!) self care things that we can start incorporating into our lives right now that will have a huge impact:

Have a glass of water every hour (hydrate your body before you feel thirsty)

If you are a caffeine addict like me, switch out one coffee a day for a herbal tea

Set an alarm to make sure you take any medications/supplements at the right time

Investigate alternative ways of stress relief

If you enjoy playing mindful and relaxing online games such as solitaire, then treat yourself and take some time out of your day to do so. Doing so, in moderation, will help release happy hormones and boost your feeling of wellbeing. Another option is to scroll through some of the latest slot sites.

Have a shower and get dressed as early in the day as possible

Get fresh air at least once a day

Try and eat mindfully – consider how the foods you are eating make you feel physically. Eat more of the foods that make you feel energetic and less of the foods that make you feel sluggish and lethargic

Say no to others when you need to

Do an organisational activity – plan your meals for the next week, have a quick clear out of a small area of your home (a drawer or a cupboard). I guarantee this will make you feel better!

Follow a quick breathing/yoga video on Youtube – this one is great

Pick up a pretty notebook and write down three things that you are grateful for. Add to this list whenever you can – ideally daily

Do you have any other small suggestions of things that we could all do to give us a little boost?

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