Self-Care 101

When it comes to self-care we all could use a little more. Whether it's a reminder to do something for ourselves or adding something new and fresh to the mix. The time invested is always returned. But what does this popular word mean?

Let's start at the beginning.

What is self-care?

Self-care is exactly what it sounds like! Caring for yourself! Taking responsibility for your health and well-being so that you can protect and improve your quality of life. As well as, those around you. To add to that, self-care isn't just about physical care but also emotional, psychological, professional, and spiritual.

Why is it so important?

I think this quote by Christopher Germer naturally explains it, "Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others." When we show ourselves kindness we are placing ourselves in a state that we can be helpful. If not, productivity and quality can be seriously diminished. It starts to affect all aspects of our life. +Bonus, taking care of yourself reduces stress!

Who can practice self-care?

Anyone! Seriously, if you are breathing, you can start implementing practices into your daily life to improve your health RIGHT NOW!

Isn't it girly?

Nope! Taking care of yourself is not about gender. It isn't selfish either! It's truly about taking action in your mental, physical, and overall health and wellness. Everyone should be doing it!

But, how? Where do you start?

Taking care of yourself sounds easy but, if you don't know where to start, you could become easily overwhelmed. By adding some self-care tips, tricks, and ideas to your daily routine, you will immediately begin to see a difference. Keep in mind though, other more lifestyle changes may take some time.  Just be patient and kind to yourself because the benefits long term will be worth it!

To get you started, enjoy adding some of these 40+ ideas to your daily routine!

• Get at least 20 minutes of sunshine
• Drink half your body weight in ounces of water
• Go for a walk
• Call or text a friend
• Listen to a podcast
• Read a book
• Start a workout challenge/program
• Only weigh yourself 1x a month
• Make a fruit and veggie smoothie
• Cook your favorite meal
• Limit your screen time
• Take a relaxing bath
• Declutter your bedroom
• Wake up early
• Go to bed early
• Limit alcohol and caffeine
• Moisturize
• Do a face mask
• Do a mani and pedi
• Watch the sunrise/sunset
• Make your bed
• Speak kindly to yourself
• Stop negative self-talk/thoughts
• Stretch your body
• Dance in your living room
• Sing in the shower
• Journal
• Learn to say no
• Do a mobility flow
• Meditate
• Listen to your favorite band
• Give yourself a facial/scalp massage
• Meet up with a trusted friend
• Draw/color/paint
• Have a hot cup of tea
• Treat yourself
• Invest in a/your hobby
• Go for a bike ride
• Do 2 minutes of deep, slow breathing
• Say affirmations in front of your mirror
• Buy yourself your favorite flowers
• Start a skincare routine
• Update your skincare routine
• Get ready for yourself
• Cozy with a soft blanket
• Watch a comedy
• Fix something that is broken

The list is endless!

When it comes to caring for yourself, remember, it should have a positive impact. You should start to feel better and experience less stress. Less stress equals a happier and healthier you!  Over the years, science in health and well-being has flourished! Countless studies offer us insight as to how and why self-care is so important. For example, did you know simply getting 20 minutes of sunshine a day fuels our bodies with an essential vitamin that aids in our mental health and immune support! Start feeling better and fall in love with loving yourself.

Let me know in the comments below, what is your self-care routine and which of the new ideas above you'll be incorporating!

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