Self-care should be an integral part of our daily routine, but often gets lost in the shuffle of everyday activities. This is understandable when you are juggling a number of responsibilities and commitments. It is never too late to build a self-care routine though! It is a chance to focus on yourself and recalibrate before or after a stressful period.
Need help figuring out just what self-care is for you? Here are some ideas to help you get started on your self-care journey!
En-Vision It
This idea involves creating a vision board, which can be a fun group or solo activity! It allows you to focus and visualize your dreams and goals.
Get imaginative and use photographs, magazine cutouts, or other bits of inspiration! Put them on a poster board and hang it somewhere you will see it every day. It will be a reminder of where you are headed. You can even make it specific, such as a career vision board or self-care vision board.
Pamper Yourself
At-home manicures are fun and sometimes therapeutic, but there is nothing like visiting a salon for some pampering. Take the time to schedule these visits and give yourself an hour or two to focus solely on you and taking care of your body. This can mean a facial, massage, haircut, manicure, or pedicure.
Sometimes it is hard to remember to schedule these things until the last minute. In an effort to keep it part of your self-care routine, there are a number of tools for beauty professionals that will make this easier for you. Find a salon with those tools, and it will ultimately make your life easier too.
Get in Touch with Nature
This idea is a little more based on your personality. If you are not a nature person, do not try to make yourself one in the name of self-care! After all, self-care is all about doing what is best for you! If you are a nature person or at least want to try it out, find ways to get in touch with nature.
This could mean simply going for a stroll in the park. You spend time with yourself and with nature this way. You can also bring it home and buy a houseplant. Houseplants have been shown to enhance air quality, reduce stress, and just look pretty in the home.
Redecorate
Sometimes you feel stuck just because your surroundings have not changed in a while. So, switch it up and redecorate or revamp your living space!
Make your home more comfortable with new pillows or some new art on the walls. It can be as simple as rearranging the furniture you already have or incorporating a refreshing new color palette with your décor. Revitalizing your space can help to revitalize you.
Book a Getaway
Practicing self-care can be difficult when there is so much else going on your life. Give yourself a gift and book a vacation!
A trip is a commitment to yourself as you take time away from everyday struggles and center yourself. You can come back refreshed and ready for new challenges. Take this time away as an opportunity to reflect and identify areas in your daily life where you can incorporate self-love more.
Date Yourself
Set aside time during the week to take yourself on a date. You can go to a movie, check out a new restaurant, or even explore a museum or new attraction in town. You should be able to enjoy our own company and get to know yourself better because of it. Taking time to date yourself is important for self-care as you set aside time to relax and do the things you enjoy.
The Bottom Line
Self-care is not something you become great at overnight. It takes time, planning, and effort. Find ways to work in regular appointments for the things that make you happy, like getting your haircut and styled at a salon. Eventually, these things will turn into your natural routine and help with your mental health.
