30 Simple Self-Care Practices For A Healthier Body And Mind
Some people think self-care is unnecessary or frivolous. But indeed, taking care of yourself isn’t that hard? But most of us need to be reminded to do these seemingly basic, obvious things. So, what are some small things you can do to take care of yourself? Here are 30 simple tips:
1. Fuel your body
If your body is a machine, food is its fuel. We wouldn’t put the wrong fuel in your car, so why do we? We all know the basics: avoiding processed foods and sugar while focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods. But also listen to your body and find a diet that works for you.
2. Breathe
It seems obvious, but deep breathing is so crucial for your health. Deep breathing brings oxygen to your brain and muscles by promoting your circulation, but it also gives you healthier organs, muscles and tissues, thanks to better circulation.
Look into deep breathing exercises and wear clothing that allows you to breathe more deeply.
3. Sleep
With more and more studies highlighting the importance of getting your eight hours and what happens when you don’t, it’s clear: make getting good sleep a priority! Your body will thank you.
4. Keep hydrated
According to most estimates, the human body is 50 to 65% water. Some parts of the body, like our lungs, heart, and brain, contain more than 70% water! So, you can see how just drinking some water can make you feel a lot better. Aim to drink around eight glasses of water a day. Use a larger glass like a pint glass if this makes meeting your daily water needs easier.
5. Visit the doctor
Is anything in your body just not feeling quite right? Have you been putting off making an appointment with your doctor? Early diagnosis and treatment are imperative for a range of conditions, so pick up the phone and make that appointment if you’re worried about anything.
6. Take supplements
When you’re with the doctor, get tested for common vitamin deficiencies and ask which herbs, vitamins, and minerals may benefit you. Vitamin D deficiency, for example, is linked to a range of health problems, while people with a B-12 deficiency are likely to experience symptoms of anxiety. If you already use supplements, run them by your doctor to check efficacy, quality, and dosage.
7. Hug
Hugging has countless benefits. Hugging raises your level of oxytocin – the love hormone – and boosts serotonin, a hormone that makes you happy and improves your mood. Hugging someone benefits your immune system, lowers your blood pressure, improves your nervous system, reduces blood pressure, and releases bodily tension.
Even a short hug as you head out the door can give you a cheerful mood to last all day. So, whether it’s your spouse or child, the dog or that fluffy cushion, remember to hug for health!
8. Express thanks
There is a growing amount of research on the benefits of expressing gratitude. It is one of the easiest but most powerful things you can do for your health. So, the next time you enjoy or appreciate anything, express your gratitude.
9. Go for a massage
You see at least one massage business in every town – because it’s effective! And it’s not just people with physical jobs or people recovering from sports injuries who could benefit from bodywork; everyone’s body stores physical and emotional tension in ways we don’t even notice.
Bodywork like osteopathy, reflexology, myofascial release work, and cranial-sacral therapy have incredible benefits. Make it part of your self-care routine today!
10. Meditate
A staple of self-care for centuries, meditation entails just doing nothing. It’s easy, but we all forget to do it. But meditation can really boost your mental health, so it’s worth trying.
11. Go for a walk
Do you like jogging around the park? Maybe you prefer getting out for a hike? Whatever you like, getting out for a walk is a great way to get your blood flowing and to spend time in nature.
12. Take a vacation
Do you use all your work vacation days? Most people don’t. But, taking a little time away from your routine life gives you an excellent opportunity to recover and re-energize. It doesn’t have to be a long vacation – even a weekend away or doing something fun locally can help you relax and unwind.
13. Spend time with the people you love
This ties in nicely with the point above – studies show that people who socialize frequently have increased happiness levels. This time doesn’t need to be in person – even a weekly phone call can boost your happiness.
14. Have some fun!
When did you last do something for fun? Crank up the tunes! Play with the kids! Doodle! Buy flowers! Carve out some time to enjoy pure bliss.
15. Spend some time in nature
Studies show that spending time in nature has innumerable benefits for us, one of which is lowering your cortisol levels. So, get out there! Go for a bike ride, hike or head to the park! Or, why not “ground” yourself with a barefoot walk on the beach?
16. Treat yourself
When you look good, you feel great, right? So, get a haircut, paint your nails, or enjoy a facial! When you treat yourself, you’ll feel better emotionally.
17. Have a bath
One of the simplest and least expensive ways to take care of yourself is indulging in a long bath. Add some essential oils or Epsom Salts for a touch of decadence!
18. Get rid of negativity
If you want to feel great, make a conscious effort to spend time with the people who feed your soul and make you feel alive. Reduce time spent on things that upset you and drain you. This article can shed more like on initial signs of negative energy.
19. Reflect on yourself
Why not take a step back to reflect on your beliefs, behavior and life? Step away from the rat race of life – think about what’s working and what isn’t. Ditch whatever is not working.
20. Give a helping hand
Humans need to be needed. Studies show that volunteering makes people feel happier and healthier. So, volunteer or donate!
21. Feed your mind
Learning can be fun! Humans need to use their brains to full cognitive capacity. We were all born to grow and evolve, so read a book, listen to a podcast, or take an online class today!
22. Unpack
If you want to practice proper self-care, you have to take care of your entire self. This often means dealing with past events like emotional trauma or limiting beliefs. Consider seeing a therapist, talking to a life coach, or having conversations with people from your past. Move forward.
23. Clean up
When you consider how amazing you feel after cleaning even just the bathroom, it’s no surprise that tidying guides like Marie Kondo are so popular nowadays. So, in the style of Marie Kondo, simplify just one area of your life and see how you feel after!
24. Get adventurous
Don’t adventure centers look like fun? Ziplining, kayaking, tree climbing – it’s so adventurous. When you challenge yourself, the sense of pride you’ll feel afterwards will be enormous. You don’t necessarily need to go to an adventure centre. But, do challenge yourself to do something that you’ve never done before every once in a while.
25. Create something
Everyone needs to use their creativity to express themselves. Even if you’re not artistic, finding your creative outlet will give you a sense of purpose and confidence. So, paint, dance, build, problem solve, or scribble!
26. Feed your soul
Even if you aren’t religious, finding spirituality will make you feel more connected to yourself. Feed your spirit with meditation or religious or spiritual study.
27. Set healthy boundaries
Boundaries are integral to healthy relationships, good self-esteem, and healthy life. You need to know and be firm about what you will and won’t accept from the closest people in your life. Identify the areas where you may be losing too much energy. Don’t say “yes” when you want to say “no”, or both parties will suffer. And know your limits.
28. Stay authentic to yourself
Being self-aware and true to yourself is imperative to living a happy, successful life. Identify what you need and listen to your inner voice to stay healthy – mentally and physically.
29. Chillax!
Have some me-time! Sure, excessive isolation and avoidance can be detrimental. But a little escape now and then can recharge your batteries. Watch that show you love, see the latest film, escape into that novel, or unwind at the museum. Do whatever helps you chill!
30. Be patient with yourself
Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself the way you would treat a close friend and speak to yourself the way you speak to someone you love – “You are doing enough. You are more than enough.” Give yourself a break and some compassion.
