Self-Care That Isn’t Just Candles And Spa Days
Let me start by saying that I love both candles and spa days, and it isn’t that they don’t have their place in a good self-care routine, but candles and spa days aren’t all you need.
I one time read that good self-care is about building a life from which you don’t need to regularly escape. That really stuck with me, because it’s a really powerful way of looking at both the life you are building and care that you show yourself.
Self-Care That Isn’t Just Candles And Spa Days
Today I’m going to share some self-care tips to help you build a happy and healthier life – because that’s the best way to take care of yourself.
Make A Gratitude List
I’m a big fan of journaling. It’s a great way to give yourself space to examine your feelings, make plans, record important things – a journal can be anything you make it. One thing I like to do is make space in my journal for gratitude.
This is something you can do even if journaling isn’t your thing. It’s as simple as finding a little notebook, or even using a notes app on your phone, and writing (or typing) three things you are grateful for each day. It takes less than five minutes, but it helps you to start your day off in a great place, focusing on happiness and feeling grateful.
Speak Up For Yourself
The opportunity to do this can present itself in big and small moments, from telling someone when they hurt your feelings to asking for a promotion or a raise – being your own advocate is an important step in caring for yourself.
Plan Meals
Hear me out! I know meal planning isn’t super exciting, but this is a great self-care practice, because it accomplishes three important things: helping you eat healthier food, saving time, and helping you stick to your budget. All of these things can help to reduce stress overall.
Make Exercise Fun
The fun part is key, because as much as you can tell yourself to exercise, you aren’t nearly as likely to do it if you don’t enjoy it. So find something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be a traditional aerobics class with neon leotards and leg warmers (unless that inspires you). I love doing hot yoga and hiking to visit waterfalls, and sometimes I even go for a run. But you might have more fun with rock climbing, long walks after dinner, or taking a spinning class.
Spend Time With Family and Friends
It’s important to take time to be alone, but it’s also good to balance that out with making time to be with the people who are important to you. You are busy, and chances are your family and friends are, too. Try scheduling time, whether it’s a weekly dinner date, a monthly card game, or you start bringing your bestie with you to your rock climbing sessions, you will be happier after spending time with your people.
Most of all, pay attention to the things that make you happy, the things you love, and be intentional about including those things in your regular routine.
What do you do for self-care? Share your best tips in the comments!
XOXO,
BLENDstyles