Easiest Ways to Practice Self-Care

Self-care. What does this mean and look like to you? Chances are, it has been a while since you have taken proper care of yourself and your body. We always seem to have other priorities, rather than be school or a global pandemic, and it can be easy to put self-care at the bottom of our to-do lists. I am here to tell you that self-care is so important no matter your current situation, and despite what you may believe, it has positive effects on your mental health, productivity, and self-esteem. Now the big question is, what exactly does good self-care look like? Well, self-care is personal and can vary from person to person, but here are some commonly practiced methods of self-care that you can try.

Exercise

Yes, exercise is self-care. By exercising, you are taking care of your health and your body. You are also releasing endorphins, I like to call them my happy chemicals, and this can lead to improved mood, mental health, and productivity. Endorphins give you that energy-filled pump after your workout. Exercising can also make you feel better about yourself, and improve your confidence, while also improving your physical health and lessening the risk of various diseases and health complications.

Journaling

However, journaling is very personal and easily adapted to the writer. It's all about you and what you want to capture, keep, and vent about. Journaling can be anything from a stereotypical diary of your day-to-day life, doodles, your feelings, or something entirely different. Do what works for you and makes you feel better.

Mindfulness

There are various apps, insight timer being one of my favourites, and resources on the internet that can be of help if you are looking for help starting or continuing your mindfulness practices. Mindfulness can help you detach yourself from the world for even just a couple minutes at a time and analyze yourself and how you are feeling. It can release stress and allow you to stay absolutely and wonderfully in the moment.

Treating yourself

Money and material goods can not buy you happiness, but they definitely can be a pick-me-up on a bad day. I’m definitely not endorsing over consumption on unnecessary items, but sometimes it's good to treat yourself to that shirt you have been wanting for weeks, or to a cute new set of earrings that would look perfect for your first day of school. Treating yourself can also come in the form of food. You deserve to indulge yourself once in a while for all your hard work.

Spending time doing what you love

Despite sometimes wishing we could just continuously work hard and not suffer burnout, the truth is, we are not machines, and we do need time for ourselves. Spending time doing what you love can help keep your spirits up and is a perfect way to make sure you are balancing all aspects of your life. Now, for everyone, this looks different, but some common examples are watching TV, reading, cooking, or drawing.

These are just a few of the many ways to practice self-care. These may work for you, they may not. *WARNING: cheesy pep-talk ahead.* The important thing is to remember to take time to analyze and reflect on your feelings and make sure you take care of yourself and your mental health. Whoever you are, you deserve to be loved and cared for, especially by yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what's going on in your life, you will need to be there for yourself for the rest of your life, so it’s vital that take care of yourself always. Love yourself because, at the end of the day, you are incredible just the way you are.

P.S. Yes, that was cheesy; I am well aware. I mean all those things I have said though. Now, go practice self-care :)