I’ve said it before, many people may think they don’t have time for self care. But it’s such an important part of your overall health that I have learned it’s best not to tire out your mind and body by always being there for others, whether it’s because of your work or your family, or more likely, both. Eventually this lack of care for yourself will lead to burn out, and then, you’re no good to anyone.
But how do busy people find the time for self care? I would argue that you simply have the time and aren’t utilizing it. Many people say they simply don’t have energy at the end of the day to do much more than watch TV or crawl into bed. But finding that balance between all the busyness and having a few moments to clear your head is paramount to your health. So somewhere in your day find ten to thirty minutes to do one or two of these five easy things to practice self care. Or maybe even all five!
ten minute yoga routine
You’ll be amazed what ten minutes of yoga can do to calm your mind. Pick a routine that really focuses on those sore spots like your lower back, neck and shoulders. Youtube has many videos, so you can do this in the comfort of your own home. Alternately, find a routine that focuses on breath. Ten minutes on the yoga mat can make you feel like a million bucks.
take a nature walk
Nature walks don’t need to happen way out in the country. Find a park or green space and stroll along at your own pace. It’s a great way to add in some exercise and being out in nature is a sure fire way to reduce anxiety and re-connect with Mother Earth. I even find strolling through an older neighbourhood with large trees relaxing. A fifteen to thirty minute walk is doable even on a colder day.
journal your way to catharsis
There is something extremely powerful about journalling. Go out and buy yourself a very pretty, possibly stupid expensive journal, and write it in. Some people like to list what they are grateful for, awesome things that happened that day, or make affirmations. But there is equal power in simply allowing your inner thoughts to pour onto the page. You’ll likely be amazed by how good you feel afterwards, and how you might be find solutions to problems or worries as you write.
light up the diffuser
There is something truly soothing about scents. So why not try aromatherapy? Find some oils that are known to uplift, bring calmness and clarity and make your space one that is soothing and relaxing with every breath. You can even dabble in mixing oils with sweet almond oil to wear on your body as perfume. Aromatherapy is far more natural than lighting scented candles, and much better for your physical health too. Be sure to purchase quality oils and enjoy the effects of this ancient practice.
pour a cup of tea
Taking a few minutes to indulge is something that can really help you unwind. Find a favourite herbal blend, serve it in your prettiest china tea cup and curl up in a chair. Take a minute or two to appreciate the colour and fragrance of the tea, and drink it slowly. Maybe take this time to flip through a magazine or read a chapter of a book.
What easy ways do you practice self care? Let me know in the comment section below!
I do all of these (except I haven’t journalled in a while) and they all make such a difference. I credit conscious self-care for the fact that I’ve had a relatively calm sheltering in place experience. It is so worth it! Great read, thank you!
Yes, journalling is one I am getting back into too. Such simple things, but so important too! I’m so happy you enjoyed the article.
These are some great self care habits that we can integrate into our days. I particularly like the nature walk and the journalling.
I am pretty sure those two are scientifically proven 🙂 Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.
I loved the way you talked about journalling; it was quirky and funny, but so true! I love writing down silly things; when I look back they make me smile on bad days. 🙂
If we can laugh at ourselves, all the better I think! We all need to laugh more.
I think you’re right, it’s all about finding a balance. So baths and colouring don’t work for me as I can’t switch off, but gardening and baking with my daughter does. Self-care doesn’t need to mean an entire spa day if that’s not right for you. Taking 15 minutes out to breath and recalibrate can do it too. Great post! Lisa x
Balance is super important and we overlook it so much I think. But there is time to find that balance too, so we just have to be mindful of how we use our time and what we need 🙂
I bought a diffuser and oil set this last month and am enjoying the aromatherapy so much. Self care also looks like baking for me and my kids. Therapeutic!
Absolutely baking is therapeutic! Glad you are enjoying aromathearpy.
A cup of tea is always a winner in my eyes! I agree being out in nature is really good for lifting my spirits too. Thanka for the tips, Helen
Tea, it just makes everything better somehow. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Self care is so important. I used to put my self care dead last in my priorities and really suffered
Now I use many of the techniques you listed here. I’ve also started meditation which has been a total life changer for me. Thanks for sharing – great post!
Glad this resonated with you! Self care is important and I think sometimes we aren’t told that by society. Glad you and I have discovered its importance!
Love this post, some nice ideas – I’ve never tried aromatherapy before!
Thank you, glad you found it helpful! I love aromatherapy, definitely recommend it.
I loved your ideas, especially the journalling one! It helps me a lot when I’m anxious.
It’s so good to journal! And it gives us excuses to buy those pretty notebooks!
Great post! I am really big on self care. I was the type of person that felt I didn’t have time for it. You’re totally right though, I just didn’t utilize my time properly.
Recently my self care has included yoga, morning walks, and some meditation.
I love your suggestion of tea and diffuser. I’ll have to do that as well. They’re both so relaxing.
Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure! I’m glad you have discovered the importance of self care.
Considering I recently wrote a self-care post, I am so amazed at how many ways you can practice self-care! I absolutely agree with you – we all have some time to practice self-care. My favorite self-care idea on this list is going on nature walks. This was definitely an incredible read! x
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
Thank you so much for your kind words. Means the world <3
These are all great ideas! I get very overstimulated, so I love just lying a quiet room, and not necessarily sleeping but just closing my eyes and enjoying the peace.
Sometimes we need peace and quiet for sure!
I love a good cup of tea – it seems so simple but I like to take the time to sit down and enjoy it, making sure I’m relaxed and just focused on that simple task instead of trying to multitask and feel rushed off my feet. Journaling and yoga are also some of my favourite ways to practice self care too – along with a nice bubble bath!!
Roni | myelevatedexistence.com
Such a good point, we should enjoy our tea! Thanks for sharing 😀
Great tips! Tea definitely helps!
Tea is the best!
Excellent ways! Yoga is my number 1. 👏
Yoga is great. I’m still sooo inconsistent with it though.
There’s an old saying that we always make time for things that are important to us. It’s sometimes hard to put your own needs above those around us, especially for moms, but it’s what we have to do. I enjoy walking outside when I need a break. I also love a good cup of tea!
Agreed, which is why I always insist that self care is so important, because we need that reminder 🙂
Yassss! The truth is we can and should be taking time for ourselves, even if it’s only a few minutes. I try to take a one mile hike every day. Those 30 minutes in nature are refreshing and help me deal with whatever life throws at me. Great post! 🙂
Thank you darling! I’m glad to know so many people find this post helpful.
Lovely post! I do find it hard to find time for self care but this last week I took a me day and just did something that relaxed me, I am attempting to get into my home yoga too as I’VE BEEN AVOIDING THAT SINCE THE FIRST LOCKDOWN BUT I NEED TO GET BACK TO IT!
Gemma Cantan recently posted…Simple Ways To Improve Your Diet
I know it’s been so hard! I need to get back to it too.
I really need to try yoga, I’m sure it will really help my back! x
It will! I need to get back to yoga myself.
This is a fantastic post! I feel like a lot of people assume that self care is just about personal HYGIENE, however its not, so i Love it how you have explored A variety of sElf care types!
Demi le huray recently posted…Self-care Sunday!
I am so glad that the post was inspiring to you! I love hearing this.
Self care s so so important, this post highlights how easy it can be to fit it in to our day. Thank you for the reminder x
Claire Lomax recently posted…How to avoid feeling overwhelmed this Christmas
You’re so welcome!
Yes! I’m all about the nature walk. I like doing gratitude journalling in the morning as well to get my day off on the right foot. Thanks so much for the tips!
Clarissa Cabbage recently posted…Give A Loved One (& Yourself) The Gift Of Health This Year!
Gratitude journaling is amazing!
It’s so important to prioritize self-care!! Totally agree with not utilizing time properly. I use this trick – if there is a series I really want to watch, then i’m allowed to watch it whilst doing something else – like walking on the treadmill or taking a bath. be concious of how you are using your time. sometimes I get in from work and will lay down and end up wasting time on my phone. things like this really mess with your perception of how much time you think you have xx
Hayley recently posted…How to find inner peace
Smart tricks! Though it it okay to just binge watch once in a while.
Hey Giulia, I have been practicing so many of the tips that you offer here in this blog post! I drink tea, practice yoga, and I use diffusers at home as well. I don’t journal, but I think even writing on my blog is a kind of release for me. Thanks for sharing these tips! 🙂
Ming Qian recently posted…9 Tips to Survive an Online Exam this Semester
Awesome! I am glad these thing are useful to you, and I agree, blogging can be a form of journalling.
Some great tips shared here! Self-care is so important these days, thanks for sharing!
Amber | The Unpredicted Page
Amber Page recently posted…How to date in a Pandemic: Tips and Tricks
Thanks Amber! Glad you dropped by and were inspired.
thanks for sharing! Journaling definitely helps me feel better! such a perfect and easy way to practice self-care!
Toma Ruh recently posted…Blogmas #8: Ideas For Useful Gifts That Won’t Collect Dust
I’m glad journalling is helpful for you! It’s definitely a great self care strategy 🙂
This is a great reminder to always put self care into your routines. sometimes i get on a role and then forget and wonder why i’m so stressed. i personally love taking bubble baths or hot showers or watch a favorite funny show.
All comforting to do! I hope it has helped.
Fab post! I’d like to start using a journal more and incorporating more physical exercise into my routine as it always makes me feel better!
Tash – a girl with a view
Yep! I need to start getting more active myself .
Nice post. I haven’t really tried yoga but I like journaling and writing out affirmations and what I’m grateful for.
Anita recently posted…The Truth About Me – 30 Get To Know Me Questions
Yoga is a game changer imo.
Easy little things we really need to do for ourselves. Thanks for the reminder.
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Loved reading this and all the five simple ways – especially by just sipping a tea and journaling by the evening that i often used to liberating thoughts and relax. Great post and thanks for sharing!
Ira recently posted…Slow-paced lifestyle- how good and powerful it is we are talking about?
Yes, sometimes we just need a little me time to unwind.