Daily Self Care Tips

We are taught from a very young age that we need to be selfless & focus on others before ourselves. As adults it is drilled into our minds that we have to put our kids, students, friends, & family before ourselves to hold worth to them. This is why it is SO incredibly difficult to understand that taking time for ourselves to practice self care is not selfish. In the typical airplane analogy, you must put your oxygen mask before you attempt to help others. Here are some simple tips to help you start practicing self care.

1. Start Small

     Self care does not have to take hours out of your day or cost loads of money. While it may be nice to take a day just for you & have a spa day everyone and then, it isn’t realistic on a daily basis. Start by cutting out 15 minutes out of your day to do something that only benefits you. Take a walk outside, shower, watch TV, make your favorite snack, or anything that requires little to no preparation, money, or effort. Once you get the hang of doing something small everyday, start scheduling bigger activities that may require more planning once a month. Start small and find your self care rhythm.

2. Say No

     Sometimes self care can be as simple as saying no to extra work or to something that adds too much to your plate. Learning to say “no” & set boundaries is a form of self care. It will help you understand what stretches you too thin & stand up for yourself. 

3. Do Things That Make You Happy

     We are forced to believe that everything we do must be because it is helps serve a bigger purpose or will help us in the long run. But how often do we do something simply because it makes us happy? We are meant to enjoy life. Make a list of activities that make you smile & make you happy. It can be as small as grabbing a coffee or driving with the windows down on a nice day. Start incorporating these activities that make you happy into your daily life.

Self care is not meant to be difficult or another task to complete. It is meant to refuel you so you can enjoy life & discover yourself. Start practicing self care today with something small. Comment what self care you did today!

-Mariah