Self-care is not selfish – it is an absolute necessity. Self-care means taking care of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
Are you regularly setting aside enough “me time”? If your answer is no you may be feeling stressed, run-down or overwhelmed.
While self-care may seem self-indulgent it’s not. Taking time out to care for yourself helps to remind you that your needs are important too. When you neglect your own needs and forget to nurture yourself – spending time only taking care of others – you risk burn out, feelings of low self-esteem and resentment.
When you take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually then you naturally begin to care for others too – your family and friends.
‘Me’ time is any action or behaviour that benefits your mental and physical overall health and wellbeing. Regular self-care regulates your nervous system, improves your mood, increases immunity, and makes you less susceptible to anxiety, burn out, and other emotional health issues.
It helps to provide a better work/life balance and it keeps your mind and body more connected and in-tune, which is an essential part of a healthy nervous system and a happy lifestyle.
Self-care is a very individual thing, so there is no specific prescription for how or when to do it.
In order to gain the benefits, it is recommend that you take at least 30 minutes everyday to do something just for you. Book time out like you would for any other appointment, rather than waiting to see if you can fit it in.
Here are a few self-care suggestions to do daily and you can add your own list of anything that makes you feel nourished and uplifted.
Soak in a warm bath – aromatherapy oils, candles, soft music, etc.
See a bodyworker – massage, reflexology, acupuncture, Osteopathy, etc.
Cuddle your pet – groom them, stroke them, spend time with them.
Go for a walk in the fresh air – use all of your senses to take in nature.
Snuggle under a soft blanket – alone or with a loved one.
Find ways to laugh everyday – watch comedy clips/spend time with people who make you laugh.
Listen to your favourite music – make a relaxing and an uplifting playlist.
Eat out in a restaurant – enjoy eating your favourite food/drink.
Do a puzzle – Sudoku, Wordle, crossword puzzle.
Read for pleasure – a great way to escape and focus your mind elsewhere.
Call a friend for a chat – connect with people you love and enjoy spending time with.
Join a club – art class, yoga, book club, cooking course.
Try a guided meditation – sit or lie down and switch off for 10 minutes.
Cook healthy, nutritious meals – the ultimate form of self-care is the fuel you put into your body.
Go to your favourite coffee shop – enjoy the coffee, people watch, just sit and be.
Be a tourist in your own town – drive a new route, go to new places, ask people for suggestions.
Potter in your garden – plant bulbs, deadhead, smell the roses, watch the birds, bees and butterflies.
Listen to running water – or Green Noise or Solfeggio Frequencies.
Watch the flames of a fire – enjoy feeling the warmth.
Walk bare foot in the grass – a great way to feel more grounded.
Enjoy gazing at the night sky – the stars, the moon, everything.
Nap in the afternoon sun – sit outside or indoors and feel the sun’s healing rays on your skin.
Watch an episode – of your favourite series or sitcom.
Do arts and crafts – colouring, up-cycling, knitting, sewing, baking, drawing.