Taking time to focus on self-care is vital to maintaining your emotional well-being and sanity. Don’t be afraid to take a few minutes each day to focus on you and give your body the love it deserves.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to take a step back. Don’t worry, this is normal! We all need some self-care in our lives. Here are few ways to help you get started on your journey of self-care. If you don’t put your needs before others, no one will do it for you. It’s important to take care of ourselves so we can be the best people possible for those around us and vice versa.
Figure out what makes you happy and go after that with everything in your power. Treat yourself like the amazing person that you are! With self-care becoming more of a priority, here are some ways to focus on self-care.
7 Ways to Focus on Self-Care
Self-care is a phrase that has been gaining traction in the wellness community. But what does it really mean? Self-care can be as simple as taking time out for yourself, following your own needs and desires, or indulging in an activity you enjoy such as reading a good book or watching your favorite TV show.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to unplug and unwind during busy times.
1. Spend some time meditating
Take a few minutes each day to meditate. Mindfulness is essential to emotional well-being. There are a ton of apps out there that can guide you through quick or long sessions, and there’s always YouTube, too.
Meditating is something that can be incorporated into your established routine. In the shower, during your skincare routine, the commute to work, while cooking dinner, or in place of your TV time each night. It doesn’t take long and is a great way to reset each day and get in-tune with where your mind is.
2. Keep a gratitude journal
It’s easy to forget all of the things we have to be thankful for in hectic times. Each day, jot down a few things that happened that were good or a few things you’re grateful for. It’s nice to look back over your pages when you’re feeling down as a reminder of all of the good in life.
Remembering your “why” when things get tough is an ultimate form of self-care. It’s so easy to lose sight of what our purpose is, and a gratitude journal can be a great way to reground ourselves.
3. Use aromatherapy
If you’ve ever been to a spa where they are diffusing essential oils, you know just how calming and relaxing the scents can be. Utilizing them in your own home can bring a heap of benefits. Whether you need to unwind for better sleep or get energized in the morning, there are essential oils out there with the benefits you’re looking for.
- Lavender is a common choice for relaxation and sleep.
- Peppermint is great at energizing the mind and soothing aches and pains.
- Frankincense is perfect to use during meditation as it promotes emotional well-being.
The list goes on and on.
4. Take a nice, hot bubble bath
Light some candles. Pour some wine. Pick up a good book. Spending some time in a bubble bath is my idea of ultimate relaxation. I’m not thinking about what waits for me on the other side of the bathroom door, but only about caring for myself for a few minutes. Throw in some Epsom salts if you’ve been feeling achy recently.
5. Eat well
Our bodies need healthy, nutrient-rich foods to work their best. Take-out is easy, but it can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Eat whole, healthy foods and drink the right amount of water each day.
In the fall, comfort foods like soups, stews, and warm spices (think cinnamon and pumpkin) are great because not only do they make us feel cozy, they can also be really good for us, too.
6. Tidy up around the house
I know this sounds more like work than self-care, but trust me. A clean room or house can do wonders for your mental health. When I let my room get so messy, I can’t see the floor; I like to call it my “depression nest.” All it does is add extra stress and doesn’t give me a space to relax how I should.
Tidying up makes me feel better in general. I enjoy the space I’m in more and don’t feel as unorganized and disoriented.
7. Unplug
Last but not least, unplug. Even if it’s just for half an hour each day, put the phone down and turn off the TV. Spend this time reading a book, playing with your kids, or talking (and I mean deep conversations) with your partner.
A good and easy way to unplug is to turn off all of your devices (or at least silence them) an hour before bedtime. Don’t take them to bed with you. Instead, use that time to just be. No scrolling, no comparing yourself to everyone else out there, just be exactly where you are and let your body and mind rest.
There are hundreds of ways to give yourself some much-needed self-care each day. No matter how much free time you have or can squeeze in, it’s so important to spend some time on you. You are important. No, it isn’t selfish; it’s true. So this fall, take a step back from the hustle and bustle and remember to give yourself as much love as you give others.