If you’re like most people, you probably do a pretty good job of caring for the most important people in your life. And while it gives you peace of mind and joy to do so, I’m betting that you probably forget the most important person: You.
The better care you take of yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for others.
Self-Care is a habit, perhaps the most important habit you can have. We all neglect ourselves at times not realizing that the consequences affect not just our well being but the well being of everyone close to us.
Read on for ideas to help you create healthy positive self care habits that nurture you and bring more energy and joy to your life.
Begin by choosing one or two actions from the list below. Select what meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. Commit to doing them this week.
Then next week, see how you feel and either keep going or choose one or two more to add in or substitute. The key is consistency.
- Take a nightly walk alone or with a friend. Exercise is always a good choice. When you walk by yourself, part of your mind is occupied with moving your legs and maintaining your balance. The rest of your brain is free to think creatively.
If you prefer the company of a friend, that’s great, too. Enjoy that connection. Going with a friend is also a good way to stay accountable!
BONUS tip: Try learning something new by listening to a podcast or audio book while you walk or workout.
- Use positive affirmations. You know the phrase, “misery loves company”? Well, negative self-talk can be common in certain social mediums. You can undo this and give yourself a better perspective on life by using positive affirmations. Come up with just a few and repeat them to yourself throughout the day. Over time, you’ll be pleased with the results.
BONUS tip: Try a “Negativity Detox”! For one week, don’t engage with any people, things, or in any situations, that are negative or energetically draining. For example: Don’t listen to the news, limit time on social media, text that “friend” to say you’re unavailable for the next few days but you’ll be in touch.
- Eat healthier. It’s believed that most people could stop taking their medications if they would only eat better. Our natural instincts are to eat high-calorie foods that aren’t particularly good for us. Unfortunately, this instinct greatly reduces longevity.
Eating healthy can be a real challenge, because it goes against our nature. However, you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel mentally and physically when you clean up your diet.
BONUS tip: Eliminate all sugary drinks and juices (unless you make yourself)
- Read each day. Reading is great for brain health. Those that read daily have better cognitive abilities than those that don’t. This advantage extends into old age, too.
Reading is also a great opportunity to learn something new. Imagine how much you could learn over 20 or more years by reading 30 minutes each day. That’s roughly 3600 hours, or 90 40-hour workweeks!
BONUS tip: Read whatever you like: magazine, e-zines, fiction, non-fiction, The Guinness Book of World Records – whatever you choose, make sure it’s enjoyable. And if you’ve started a book and don’t like it, it’s ok! You’re not getting graded on it so you can return it to the library or delete it from your kindle. No one will be the wiser!
- Unplug. Your brain needs a rest from the constant stimulation of the internet, your smart phone, TV, tablets, and so on. Give yourself at least a few hours each day of complete rest from these items.
BONUS tip: Disconnect at least one hour before bedtime for better sleep.
- Sleep at least 7 hours each night. Everyone seems to claim they only need 5 hours of sleep. Nope. The science is clear on this one. To maximize your health and cognitive abilities, you need at least seven hours of sleep. Some people need more.
BONUS tip: Don’t sleep with electronics in the bedroom. Make your bedroom a sacred space for love, sleep, and healing.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Sure, it sometimes seems like there’s nothing good in your life, but that’s almost certainly not true. There are plenty of good things in your life. You’re just failing to recognize them. Remind yourself about all of these positive things by keeping a gratitude journal and writing in it each day.
BONUS tip: Purchase a pretty journal or notebook and use it specifically for journaling. No shopping lists!
- Give your body some gentle exercises and stretching each day. A little extra movement can do a lot of good things for your body and your brain.
BONUS tip: You don’t have to pound away on the treadmill like you’re training for a triathlon. Try doing planks and see how long you can hold it. Increase your time by 5 seconds every week. Strengthening your core, stretching, and breathing will likely bring about some unexpectedly good changes.
If self-care doesn’t come naturally to you, that’s o.k. Self-care is an important habit to develop. Being at your best is good for everyone around you. When you fail to take care of yourself, people tend to have less respect for you. Not because they don’t care but because, by example, you have “taught” them how to treat you.
When you fail to take care of yourself, people tend to have less respect for you. Not because they don’t care but because, by example, you have “taught” them how to treat you.
You deserve the best. Treat yourself that way.
