Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s empowering, and it’s time to put your mind, body and soul at the top of your list of priorities. Equipping yourself with a self-care playbook is as important as any other form of self-love. Taking care of yourself is not a cliché, it paves the path to a better, happier and resilient life.
Elevate your mornings
Grabbing your phone the moment you hit the alarm is not the best way to begin your day. Most of us are unaware of the effect our phones have on our day. That is why you need to elevate your every day through the mindful morning routine that prohibits using mobile phones and sets the intention for the day. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it can be as simple as waking up, stretching and meditating. Create a routine that supports your well-being, stick to it for at least a month and see how it enhances your mental well-being in the process.
Dive into a digital detox
If you feel that you don’t have enough time in your day, see this as a sign to do a digital detox. After a digital detox, you’ll achieve mental clarity, better productivity, sharper focus, better sleep, and better mood, and you’ll practically hack your way to happiness. Break up with your phone by scheduling regular breaks to reduce screen time and social media addiction. Set up a schedule that supports your mental health but still keeps you connected.
Set hydration goals
This might sound a bit like a self-care cliche, but it isn’t. Proper hydration is a simple yet powerful act of self-care. Set daily water intake goals, carry a reusable water bottle, and give your body what it needs and craves. Small things add up and will have a positive effect on your health in the long run.
One new experience every month
Challenging yourself is also a great way to grow as a person. By putting yourself through new experiences, you will challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone, challenge your beliefs and open up to learning something new. You can sign up for naturopathy courses and further grow your self-care practices, or it can be as simple as doing one new activity a month. The learning process will open up the path of self-discovery, and new experiences foster a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
Take time to pause
Just as you need to open yourself up to new things, skills and experiences, you must also learn to pause. Stop. Take a break. We’ve been conditioned to believe that if we take a break, we’re not using our potential and wasting our time. So, integrate short breaks into your routine for a quick stretch, walk, or a moment of reflection. See these powerful pauses as a way to recharge your energy and reset your focus.
Find joy in physical activities
Physical activity should bring joy to your life, it should be something you want to do, not something you should do. Even though the latter is true, we should exercise, it also has to be something we enjoy. Find a way to infuse your every day with a physical activity that brings you joy and embrace its effect on your physical and mental well-being.
Cultivate a positive mindset
One of the ways to cultivate a positive mindset, even if you feel an emotion that can be labelled as negative, like anger, disappointment, or anxiety, is to put it all on paper. Journaling is a powerful practice that can easily boost your mood and change your mindset. Especially if you jot down three things you’re grateful for each day, you’ll start your day with a positive attitude or redirect your focus when you’re having a tough day.
Show yourself respect
If you want to be truly empowered, you have to start by showing yourself respect. Setting boundaries is the act of self-respect as it protects your time, space and energy from all the things that don’t align with your values. Learn how to respectfully say no to things that don’t serve you.
Lastly, set aside time to self-reflect. It might be just to sort out your thoughts, recent events or your future actions. It can be through a journaling session or a talk with a professional, whatever works for you.