Today’s world, despite what we’d like it to be, is a hectic and stressful place.
We’re always being told to look after our physical health – don’t drink too much, or smoke, and remember to exercise. Similarly, we’re barraged with messages that we need to work on our ‘personal brand’ and to make sure that we stay up to date on useful skills that employers want. It’s not enough to just “be”. It is though! In fact, sometimes the very best thing we can do for ourselves is to take time out to practise self-care.
Self-care is necessary for our health and well-being. Without time to switch off and be kind to ourselves, we burn out and break down.
Here are just some of the simple ways you can practise self-care.
- Go out for a walk and get some fresh air (walking on a treadmill just isn’t as good)
- Start a bullet journal to record your thoughts
- Take a yoga class
- Have a catch-up with friends
- Try something completely new (an instrument, a meal, a genre of book – whatever!)
- Create a (physical!) photo album of great times you’ve had
- Take a bubble bath
- Have a board games night with friends
- Watch a feel-good film
- Go to an art gallery or museum
- Watch the sunrise with someone you care about
- Start a gratitude journal
- Make a feel-good playlist
- Be prepared to say “no” when you’re too busy
- Have a weekend away
- Make something for yourself or a friend (bake it, knit it, sew it, paint it – the choice is yours)
