37 self-care ideas you may not have thought of

 

The term "self-care" gets thrown around a lot these days, but how many of us really know what that means, and even more importantly, how many of us actually do that?  With all the stress in our lives it's so important that we give ourselves a break from time to time to stop and recharge our systems.  

Even the things we don't normally see as stressful are enough to raise our cortisol and adrenaline levels, adding to a baseline level of stress that our bodies and minds are not meant to handle.  

Watching the news?  Scrolling through Facebook?  Sitting in traffic?  Staring at a computer screen all day?  Feeling a lack of purpose in our lives?  The pandemic has not helped things with the underlying anxiety we are feeling on a regular basis.  It all adds up and affects our mood, our sleep, our hormones, and our overall health.  We need to build daily self-care routines into our days, and every once in a while we need to take an entire day (or at least a few hours) to pamper ourselves a little bit and just do whatever it is that we want to do.

Try to do at least one of these things every day, and from time to time, block out an entire day, from beginning to end, where you take a break from all work, housework, errand running, Facebook scrolling, child rearing (if possible), to-do list checking, etc.  If you MUST have a to-do list, fill it up with some of the following items:

If you have five minutes:

1. Roll your favorite essential oils on your temples, feet, or the back of your neck.  My favorite thing to do is to place a drop of oil in my hands, rub them together, then cup them over my nose and breathe deeply for a few minutes.  Peppermint is great for energy and clarity (and sinuses!), while lavender, frankincense, and clary sage are my favorites for relaxation.
2. Rub lotion on your body.  Maybe you already do this each day, but every once in a while, really pay attention to what you're doing, massage areas that might be a little tight (hello, calves!), and try to show a little appreciation for the all the things your body does for you each day.  Woo, woo, I know, but it's all part of the positive self-talk we need to cultivate in ourselves!
3. Dry brushing.  Take a soft brush and using long strokes, brush your legs, arms, and torso from the extremities towards your heart.  It helps move lymph fluid, increase circulation, exfoliate skin, etc...but mostly it just feels good.  Trust me on this one.  Do this before your shower or bath, and follow up with lotion afterwards.
4. Add a drop of lavender oil to a spoonful of coconut or almond oil and rub it all over your face and neck.  Try out this facial massage in the process: Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
5. Write a list of things you are grateful for in the moment, from the grandiose to the most simple.
6. Hug a loved one and let them release first.  If it's your kid, go ahead and hug them 'til they squirm out of your arms. :)
7. Go outside and look at something far away like the clouds or a mountain.  Then focus on something up close like a leaf or a flower.  Really pay attention and stay in the moment.  If you can, take off your shoes and walk in the grass.
8. Text a friend or family member you haven't talked to in a while.
9. Savor a cup of coffee or tea in silence.  (Even better if you're outside!)
10. Spend some time stretching or foam rolling.  All of us have some tight muscles somewhere, and a little bit of stretching each day can go a long way.  If you have more time, go to a yoga class or find a yoga teacher online that you like.  My favorite videos are from Yoga with Adriene on YouTube.

If you have more time:

1. Read a book.
2. Take a nap.  
3. Talk a walk or go for a hike.
4. Ride a bike.
5. Do your nails.
6. Take a long bath with Epson salts and essential oils.  Shave your legs while you're in there.
7. Mix some sugar or salt with coconut oil and a few drops of lavender oil.  Use it to scrub your body in the shower.
8. Deep condition your hair.
9. Apply a facial mask.  There are lots of DIY recipes out there using things like coconut oil, avocado, oatmeal, essential oils, coffee grounds, lemon juice, honey, and/or yogurt. 
10. Sit in or next to a pool (or even better, a beach or lake).  Enjoy your book, listen to music or a podcast, soak up a little sunshine, and enjoy the cooling sensation of the water.
11. Spend some time prepping food or trying out a new recipe.
12. Do some random journaling.  Make lists or just write about whatever comes to mind.
13. If you play an instrument, spend some time doing that.  How often do we as adults grant ourselves permission to just play?
14. Draw or color in one of those adult coloring books that have been collecting dust on your bookshelf.
15. Work on a scrapbook or go through photos.
16. Clean out a drawer or closet.
17. Call a friend/your sister/your mom.
18. Work on your garden or yard.
19. Buy some flowers or plants for your house.
20. Meditate. (This could be on the five minute list, too.)
21. Create a vision board, either from magazine pictures or digitally.
22. Play a game with friends or family.
23. Watch your favorite movie.
24. Do some thrift store shopping.  Enjoy the treasure hunt.
25. Absolve yourself from all housework for the day.
26. Write someone a letter letting them know how much you appreciate them.
27. Try a new restaurant.

Of course this list could go on forever.  The point is to do something that you love and that makes you feel better.  Think about it: if you could spend a whole day doing whatever you want to do, what would it be?  Make your own list!

You can use these things as a reward for yourself, but I prefer to do them just because.  Just because you need a break, just because you care about yourself, just because you can't be at your best for others if you don't take some time for yourself, just because you're human, living this fabulous life you've been given.  Being human means slowing down and enjoying that gift, at least for a moment.  Every. Single. Day.

Virtual hugs, friends!

If you'd like to talk to me about creating healthy habits and a nutrition plan that works for you, I've got you!  I'm a certified Nutrition Coach who will create a simple, customized meal plan for you and coach you through how to implement it into your busy life.  We also talk about all the pitfalls that make it hard, and help you make it the anchor that keeps you healthy, energized, and sane through the whirlwind of your everyday life.

I'd love to talk to you about the program, so please book a free consultation with me by clicking the Calendly button. I look forward to talking to you!

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