Taylor Swift
It can be difficult to make time for yourself when there are so many things to do during the day. From taking the kids to school, to preparing for an important meeting at work, to remembering to call your parents - it can feel like a never ending stream of tasks that just have to be completed before you can even start thinking about yourself.
But constantly putting the needs of others before your own can lead to negative consequences both for your mind and your body. Fatigue, insomnia and depression are all symptoms of burnout, which affect many women who feel pressured to do it all.
Although making time for self-care can be extremely difficult, the results are well worth it. Adding even the smallest self-care practices to your daily routine can reduce stress and anxiety and boost feelings of happiness and self-esteem. If you look after yourself well, it will reflect on everything else you do.
And remember, it’s not your job to do it all. If you have too much on your plate, enlist the help of your partner, parents or friends to help. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Here are 10 simple self-care practices to start doing today:
1. Slow down
Much of our days are spent on autopilot, trying to get from one place to another as fast as possible, leaving us stressed and exhausted. Try taking just 10 minutes every day to slow down. Go for a short stroll outside during your lunch break or do some breathing exercises in the car. Just slowing down and taking the time to breath can help you de-stress and improve your focus.
2. Be grateful for what you have
With everything going on in our lives, it can be difficult to keep track of all the things that we are lucky to have. Starting a gratitude journal can help keep stock of them all. Keep the journal on your bedside table and jot a few things down every night before going to sleep. Noting down all the good things that happen each day - from a beautiful a birdsong to a delicious dinner - will help you appreciate the good in life.
3. Eat to nourish your mind and body
It’s easy to take eating a good meal for granted but much of our energy comes from the foods we consume. Be kind to your body and choose fresh and healthy produce over processed foods. Your body will look and feel healthier and your mind will be clearer without the excess salt and sugar.
4. Enjoy the great outdoors
Most of us spend our days sitting at our desks, staring at computer screens without any time outdoors. Make some time for a weekly trip to the local park or a weekend getaway to the seaside. If you can’t get away, spend some time in your garden or on your balcony. Spending time surrounded by fresh air and nature will help clear your head and improve your mood.
5. Tell someone you love them
Nothing feels better than reminding someone close to us that we love them. Opening up about feelings and sharing some intimate moments with a loved one will boost your happiness and make someone else feel happier too.
6. Have some fun
As we get older, we seem to forget how to let go and have fun. Remember what it felt like to completely let go as a child by going on a fun night out with your best friends, playing hide-and-seek with your children or dancing in front of the mirror to your favourite song.
7. Take pride in your accomplishments
Every day is made up of lots of little accomplishments that have gotten us where we are and these deserve to be celebrated. Write a list of things you’ve accomplished each day, such as having a great work meeting or reconnecting with an old friend. Looking through these lists at the end of each week will make you realise all the small things you have to be proud of.
8. Create a safe space for yourself
It can be difficult to look after yourself if you don’t have a safe space to go to when things get rough. Choose a space you feel comfortable in, such as your bedroom and make it your own. Add some cute decorations, cosy pillows or scented candles so you feel safe and can work through any issues you are facing.
9. Turn off your phone
We have a habit of letting text messages, phone calls and social media take over our lives, without realising how much time we spend on them. Time is precious, so reclaim it by turning off your phone. Even if it is just for one hour a week, you’ll notice how much more attention you’ll pay to more important things like talking to your partner or reading a book.
10. Help someone in need
Self-care has become synonymous with treating yourself but it doesn’t have to be. Looking after someone in need - whether it be volunteering for a charity or doing some pro-bono work - will do wonders for your self-esteem and help you appreciate the good things in your life.
