I value self-care. Like, a lot!
I didn’t truly realize how important self-care was until I had my first severe depressive episode a few years back.
I had no interest in doing the things I once loved to do. My hygiene was nonexistent. I slept for most of my days. I would either eat too much or not eat at all. There came a point where I even isolated myself from friends and family. I would cry for no reason too.
When I started my first job, the only things I would do with my days was wake up, go to work, come straight back home, and go back to bed. It was bad guys.
It felt like it lasted forever and I felt like there was no end in sight. Everything looked dull to me. Like literally, colors weren’t as bright as they once were.
I believe the turning point for me was when I had a deep conversation with a classmate of mine in my counseling program. She saw the sadness in my eyes and how I carried myself. This conversation truly opened my eyes to how visibly depressed I was.
Plus, I was so confused as to why I was so sad all the time. I mean, I independently live on my own, pay my own bills, have my own job, and go to school.
Yes, it looks like a lot to juggle but there wasn’t anything in my life that would make me depressed. That’s not how depression necessarily works (I’ve since realized that). I may have had everything going for me but all of these things that I had to juggle were one of the reasons why I was deteriorating so badly.
After getting the necessary help that I needed, it turns out that I simply have a chemical imbalance! Like, what?!
Since then, I have learned that putting myself as a priority is a MUST!
Self-care is something that I incorporate into my daily routine, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
It’s important for us to set aside time for ourselves to recharge and take care of our mental well-being. If we don’t, then we’ll just burn out. I had to learn that the hard way.
There are endless ways to practice self-care. If you don’t know how or where to start, here are a few things you can try to unwind the mind, body, and soul.
The Importance of Self-care
1. Paint your feelings
This happens to be my personal favorite. It’s so therapeutic for me whenever I feel stressed or want to let out my creative ideas. And for those who say, “But I suck at painting.”
*insert major eye roll*
I refuse to believe that. Painting is a form of creative expression and should be used when words can’t get the point across.
The good thing about painting is that you don’t have to learn how to paint like Van Gogh to know how to paint. Plus there is no right or wrong way to do it. It’s all about letting your creative juices flow and enjoying the process along the way.
2. Journal
This is one of the few things that I have been consistent with AND has actually helped me mentally.
I’m so glad it did because now I feel like I have an outlet to organize all of my thoughts. Plus it’s nice to look back and read about all of the progress that I’ve made.
If you’re not a person who likes to write on paper and prefers computers, go for it.
I do want to note though, that if you do go the computer route, make sure to have a backup of your journaling. And maybe even a backup of that backup.
Use Google Drive! That way, you can sync up your work on all your devices. So if you start on your computer, you can always pick it back up on your phone or tablet in case you need to go somewhere.
One minor mishap and everything could be wiped away in an instant! We don’t want that. Primarily why I prefer physically writing my thoughts instead of typing them but I know that not everyone is like me.
3. Turn off your phone
This one is tough.
Our lives basically revolve around our phones. It’s basically like an extra limb attached to our bodies.
You’re probably reading this on your phone right now!
There’s nothing wrong with social media but it can become highly addicting and we’d end up wasting so much time on it, it can drain us mentally.
It can really negatively impact your mind by what we choose to see online.
It’s important to be conscious of what you decide to consume on a daily basis.
Learn to step away from your phone for a couple of hours and watch how much happier and stress-free you’ll be.
4. Take a walk
Walks are beneficial to the mind and body. It helps release the tension we hold in our bodies, declutter the mind, and reduce stress while also getting that bit of exercise in.
So hitting two birds with one stone.
I personally love taking walks at the park or around my neighborhood. It really helps clear my mind whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad.
I get to pop in my AirPods, listen to my favorite music, and let my mind wander to a peaceful place.
My mind gets distracted with the path I’m taking, the nature I’m surrounded in, and even the people that are around me as well.
After my walks, I always feel refreshed and in a good mood.
5. Do a face mask
This is another one of my personal favorites.
I’ve come to learn the importance of having a good skincare routine down and it has become a ritual for me day and night.
I don’t know how I managed to survive college without moisturizing. Yes, it wasn’t until college that I started to take skincare seriously. Don’t judge me.
Now, face masks are a great way to give your skin the much-needed benefits it craves.
Use face masks or sheet masks that best suit your skin’s needs, sit back, and relax for 20 minutes. Try this once a week, your skin will thank you.
I definitely recommend using the TONYMOLY face masks. They have a variety of different masks for any skin concern.
Also, check out my blog posts on face masks.
RELATED: FAVORITE FACE MASKS FOR OILY SKIN
6. Reach out to family and friends
Sometimes, self-care is not only about caring about ourselves but also involving those that we love as well. Being human means we crave social interaction.
It doesn’t matter how introverted you may be (I’m pointing at me right now).
I believe it’s very important to maintain and/or strengthen our social connections with other people. So make that phone call, facetime your friend, or text that person you’ve been meaning to reach out to.
You never know how much it would mean to someone knowing that you had them in your thoughts.
7. Declutter
A cluttered space = a cluttered mind.
Try getting rid of things you no longer use or rearrange furniture for a new look. Having a cluttered living space and being overwhelming to a person.
Personally, if my place is a mess, I tend to not do much because I don’t know what to start with first. Do I start by washing the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floor, organize my drawers, make food?
The list goes on and on but you get the idea.
The physical mess is a manifestation of a cluttered mind and there may be many reasons for it.
Don’t beat yourself up about having a cluttered living space. By tackling one task at a time, you’ll be able to simultaneously declutter the thoughts from your mind.
RELATED: HOW TO CHANGE A NEGATIVE MINDSET INTO A POSITIVE ONE
8. Start up a new hobby
Starting new hobbies is a great way to practice good self-care. Some hobbies that I recommend:
- Start a blog (go self-hosted with Siteground!)
- Gardening
- Puzzles
- Learn how to play an instrument
- Join a workout group (yoga, running, boxing, etc.)
9. Find a quiet place
I like being to myself a lot of times and being in a place where I can be with my thoughts and enjoy the moment, is very relaxing.
As an introverted person, I love my alone time. Yes, I do like hanging out with my friends once in a while but sometimes it gets overwhelming being around people all the time.
Something that I love to do first thing when I wake up in the morning, I go outside and sit on a rocking chair and be one with nature. My cats will come out and greet me and sit with me through the silence.
I would then think about the things that I’m grateful for and tell myself some positive affirmations as well.
It’s such a great way for me to start off my day. I highly recommend you guys to do that at least once.
Being alone allows me to unwind and recharge.
Take an hour or so to yourself or sit outside and take in the fresh air while you read a book or listen to your favorite music.
RELATED:
20 POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS TO BUILD SERIOUS CONFIDENCE
10. Treat yourself
Every once in a while, it’s ok to splurge on something you had your eye on for a while.
If it’s a little getaway trip, save up some money and go out with a group of friends. Have a good time.
Always make the time to get away from life’s daily demands because it can really be draining having to go every day having to live up to the demands of others.
Again, there are endless ways to practice self-care, so find something that you enjoy doing that helps you relax and rejuvenate.
But remember to always take some time every week to have to yourself.
Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
What other self-care ideas do you guys recommend? Let me know. 🙂
Until next time,
Very helpful 😌😌
Thanks 🙂
Love love love this list so much. If I don’t take a breather every now and then and indulge in me time, I go completely nuts. The body (and mind!!) need time to recharge. I had a getaway this weekend—it wasn’t far but it was what I needed, too. Love all of your suggestions; especially journaling, decluttering (which I’m trying to do more of!!), and hot baths 🙂
So glad you enjoyed it! 🙂 Sounds like there was a much needed break and I hope you’re recharged and ready to charge forward 🙂
love these ideas. Definitely planning more of these activities for myself!
Thank you! I hope they help you out 🙂
Love this!! I am in the process of learning this for myself.
Thank you! It takes some tweaking but I’m sure you’ll find one that works like a dream for you.
This is so important to do! I even learned some new things
That’s great! I hope you get to apply them to your self-care routine.
This is such a great post! I am just starting to remember that I need to take care of myself. These are really great ideas to help me remember to take care of me too.
Yeah, it’s very important to take care of yourself. I hope you found these tips helpful in your journey to self-care.
I loved the idea “paint” , something different to totally take your mind away!
OMG that is my all-time favorite thing to do whenever I get stressed. You can get as messy as you want and the best part – you’re having fun and unwinding.
Self Care is so important! These are some great tips! I like to hike to escape and recharge =)
That’s an amazing way to practice self-care, plus you get some exercise in.
I work at home and it is easy to extend my hours long into the night. I have to purposely set aside time in the middle of the day for a much needed break. Lately that is in the form of a hot bath. It rejuvenates me so that I can keep going.
That’s great that you’re making time for yourself.
I love this list. So often I see self-care conflated with self-indulgence in ways that aren’t really helpful — things that might provide a short-term endorphin boost, but just make things more difficult in the long run — but this list is great.
Thank you!
Yes! Self care is really so important, I wish more people realized this!
People need to know the value of themselves and know that it’s ok to care for yourself.
I am trying very hard to make sure I have times throughout the day where I either turn off my phone or put it in another room so I’m not tempted to check it. Such a nice break to have from social media and messages once in awhile!
That’s good that you’re trying to make time.
Self Care is such a struggle for most of us. I am still trying to find the balance in my mom life. I will say I am getting better at doing things for myself and my mood reflects that as well.
Yeah it is a struggle at first but once you find that balance, things will start looking better and you’ll feel better.
I love this. My daughter has been really stressed lately. Yesterday we went out and bought her paints and canvases. So much better today it’s amazing.
YEEESSS!!! I hope painting helps relieve the stress she has whenever she feels worked up. That’s amazing to read!
Painting is such an important part of self-care for me. I don’t take enough time for self-care, but it’s something I’m working on this year.
YES same girl. I love painting, it works wonders for my stress levels.
Its so important to be mindful of yourself which can be easily forgotten. Your article hits on many great points and something for everyone. Thanks!
Thank you for that!
I completely agree with all of these! Turning off your phones being the most important yet the most difficult of them all 😉 I think we all struggle with that one a little bit 😉 but it feels so damn good when you actually go completely offline!!
I completely agree.
Seems like everywhere you look there are books and teachings about self-care. I admire the movement and have always set aside a little me time, although I never called it “self-care,” per se. Thank you for sharing these tips. I’ll add some of them to my existing regime.
Yeah, I feel like people don’t really take the time but it’s very important. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I am proud to say I practice several of these ideas regularly, but now adding a few new ideas to my routine! THANK YOU!
WOW that’s great! You’re welcome 🙂
Happy to say that in an effort to take better care of myself, I’ve been picking up a few of these habits lately. It’s always nice to hear from someone else that I’m not crazy for taking these little things so seriously.
It’s never selfish to have some time to take care of yourself. Always enjoy those moments of relaxation. 🙂
I completely agree! We often get so caught up in our lives that we forget to care about ourselves. You inspired me to go put on a face mask right now!
lol enjoy that face mask 🙂
Turning off the phone is the first best step for self care. Refocus on your life.
It’s the hardest but the best.
I love self care. Any excuse to pamper myself and recharge the batteries.
I agree.
I am a big supporter of turning off the phone and journaling! I just started journal #58 this week (I’ve been journaling since I was a kid) and it really helps me to reflect and find balance.
Wow that’s amazing! I used to journal when I was little but I didn’t really keep up with it.
Yes! I love all these. Journalling has been a big goal of mine this year. And I’ve also started taking walks during my break and I feel a lot better while at work – more refreshed.
That sounds like a great way to utilize your breaks.
Fab post – I am a strong believer in treating yo-self! Also, the last few weekends when I’m about the house and need to get things done I’ve turned my phone off and it felt amazing to not have that thing glued to my hand and distracting me. I also love a good bubble bath (maybe a little too much) but it’s important to have those little moments.
That’s amazing. I’m glad you take time to pamper yourself. It’s much needed every once in a while.
Self-care is so important! I don’t paint but I find sketching or photography relaxing in the same way.
The other day, I did a jigsaw puzzle (haven’t done one for YEARS!) and it was amazing how relaxing it was to switch my mind off from everything else and just focus on that.
My other favourite is walks in fresh air. 🙂
I love puzzles as well and walks outside. They’re great
I love this so much. Self care is so important, and I myself sometimes forget to let my self have some. Thanks for the read!
You’re welcome. I hope you get to implement some into your day 🙂
Some great ideas! We definitely could all use these, especially to TURN OFF PHONES!
Especially that lol Thank you for reading 🙂
This is a great list! My personal favorites are doing creative things like coloring and applying face masks 🙂
Face masks are the best way to relax 🙂
Great List! The other day I was feeling blue and decided to put a mask on my face. I cannot explain how that 10 minutes of self care inspired the rest of my week!
That’s amazing. Being able to take care of yourself really lifts your mood to do have a productive and positive week.
This is so true! Self care is more important than most believe. What a great list of ways to do it!
Thank you! 🙂
I love painting, as a mom–taking an uninterrupted shower, doing DIY projects, reading a good book, or just taking that much-needed nap throughout the day.
They all sound lovely.
Hi there! I just want to say a little thanks for your work on your blog by nominating you for the Britain Mix-Niche Blog Award! You can find my post about it here: https://orangewallsblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/02/first-nom-nomnomnom-britain-award-for-mix-niche-blog/
This is such a helpful post! Everyone has those rough days, some more than others, and it’s always important to remember self-care. Even if you’re having a good day it’s important to take care of your self just to keep you happy and your well being up. I will be keeping this list of things in mind for sure for when I need it! Thank you for this.
Aww I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Thank you for this post! Self-care is SOOOO important! Especially now-a-days, when the spirit of “hustle” makes us feel almost guilty for taking breaks! I love that you mentioned painting. I’m an artist/art teacher and have a few students that have mentioned how art really helps with their stress levels!
OMG that’s amazing. Painting does wonders for my stress. I personally love it.