Stress is becoming increasingly common in our everyday lives.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, busy, and a bit worn down. To minimize some of the stress in our lives, we can practice self-care.
If you aren’t familiar with self-care, or think it’s just a social media fad, it can actually be very helpful and take form in many different ways. Self-care is a set of practices we can incorporate into our lives to feel better. Self-care can range from the traditional, like going for a run or going to bed at a more reasonable hour, to the non-traditional, like setting up an entire movie night for yourself and your family, taking up a new hobby, or trying a complicated new recipe. It doesn’t matter what your self-care is, it just matters that it makes you feel good. Self-care can look different for everyone!
We’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite ways to practice self-care to give you some suggestions and a place to start.
“Yoga is a calming way to move your body while plants help purify the air around you to help you feel more relaxed.”
1. Movement
Movement is a great way to feel better. It’s good for your body, mind, and soul. It can be as simple as taking your dog for a walk or walking around the neighborhood. Many people have started running, which is a very time-efficient way to get in some exercise. There are also tons of great online yoga, pilates, and other workout classes available. Some local fitness studios are even offering classes over zoom, and depending on local regulations, you may be able to safely start attending workout classes in person again!
2. Cooking
Cooking is a great way to take a pause in your day. You can make old family favorites, or try something completely new. Even though you may be working from home, you could also try meal prepping. When it’s time to eat, it takes less effort and you still have a delicious, healthy meal ready to go!
3. Gardening
Gardening helps brighten your space, which will help you feel better daily. Taking care of plants is satisfying, and you can go for something low effort like succulents or a small basil plant in your kitchen, to something much more involved, like a vegetable garden in your yard.
4. Crafting, DIYs, and Redecorating
Crafting, DIYs, and redecorating are all ways to care for your well-being. Completing a project will make you feel successful and happy, and you will have the satisfaction of the new and improved area, too!
If you’re looking for some ideas on how to redecorate on a budget, check out our post for some more tips.
“Take a hike! No, seriously! Spending time outside is a great way to escape from the stress and noise of your daily life and refresh your body and mind.”
5. Outside time
Remember how enjoyable summers felt when you were a kid? All that carefree time outside is part of the reason! Get some of that feeling back by spending more time outside. Time spent outside is crucial for your wellbeing. Fresh air and sunshine have health benefits and will make you feel better. You can take a walk, sit outside with a book, or even take a nap in a hammock. If you have a table and chairs outside and can focus in a different environment, you may want to bring your work to your porch for an afternoon.
6. Work/Life Balance
Speaking of work, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between work and life. Working at home may have made this more complicated, but remember that your time off is your time. You can mute notifications on work apps so you can have some peace and quiet. Even if you love your job, a break from all the noise of emails, messages, and phone calls is extremely important.
7. Spa Day
Hold a little spa day! Next time you have a day off, take a nice walk, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and finally do that face mask you’ve been meaning to do! If you aren’t into face masks, take a nap, drink some tea, or just relax.
8. Music, Books, Movies
Music, books, and movies are a great way to escape your life for a little while. Try finding some new playlists with music you don’t usually listen to, to put on while cooking. Start a virtual book club with your friends! Hold a movie night with your favorite movie snacks for your family.
9. Professional Development
Self-care is relevant to all aspects of our lives and can help improve work, too. If you’re feeling a bit down about your work, look into some professional development opportunities. Podcasts can be helpful and are easy to listen to while cleaning, walking, or just relaxing. While conferences may not be held in person this year, many are now being hosted online. Online and virtual meetings are a great option, especially because they don’t have travel costs associated with them right now!
