Self-care is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years, yet it can mean different things to different people. For some, it means taking time for yourself—allowing yourself to just relax and enjoy life without feeling guilty. For others, self-care is more focused on practical steps and activities they can take to take better care of their health. Whatever self-care looks like for you, it’s important to make yourself a priority in your life.
Here are 5 ways you can practice self-care and make sure you’re taking the time to meet your own needs:
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Schedule “me” time: Everyone needs downtime to recharge, de-stress and just give themselves space to do things that make them feel good. Make sure you have a few hours per week where you do something kind for yourself like reading a book, going for a walk or painting your nails.
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Find what works for you: Experiment with the types of activities that make you feel re energized or relaxed so that when you need to take time for yourself, it doesn’t feel like another chore on your already long list of obligations. If yoga isn’t your thing, try meditation or dancing — anything creative that brings out the best of you!
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Get enough sleep: Sleep is one of the most important aspects of self-care; giving our bodies enough rest helps us function optimally throughout our day. Aim for getting in 7–9 hours of sleep each night so that your body can heal itself while renewing its energy levels and allowing us to wake up refreshed each morning ready to tackle the day ahead!
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Eat nutritious meals: Taking care of ourselves also includes taking care of what we put inside our bodies — after all, we are what we eat! Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients provides us with energy while also allowing us to stay healthy and alert throughout our day.
- Look after your mental health: Our mental health is just as vital as our physical health; investing in counselling or therapy sessions can be beneficial if we’re struggling with feelings of sadness or other mental issues such as anxiety or stress—taking steps towards healing our minds can be empowering and help restore balance within ourselves again.
Taking care of ourselves should be at the top of everyone's list — especially during times like this when life feels overwhelming or chaotic due to unforeseen events outside our control (e.g., a pandemic). Prioritizing ourselves by taking time out from our busy schedules allows us to focus on being mindful about how we're feeling internally—without even realizing it these simple acts will often result in positive effects on how we interact with others too! So give yourself permission and start practicing self-care today - no matter how small it may seem - because ultimately only YOU know what's best for YOU!