Taking care of yourself: How to Prioritize Your Well-Being

Self-care is an essential aspect of taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health.

In today’s fast-paced world, and search for more income, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves.

This is not a luxury, but a necessity. Self-care also doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming as you will find out in this post. It’s about finding simple and effective ways to nurture and reset your mind and body.

Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or someone who just wants to prioritize your well-being I’ve got ideas for you.

How to practice taking care of yourself

With self-care, you are simply taking intentional actions to prioritize different aspects of your health. The main benefit is that it will help you to reduce stress, prevent burnout, improve your overall well-being and your relationships.

There are many different ways to practice self-care, including:

1. Physical self-care: This involves taking care of your physical health through activities such as exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your physical appearance.
2. Emotional self-care: This involves taking care of your emotional well-being through activities such as journaling, practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy or counselling, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy.
3. Social self-care: This involves nurturing your social relationships and connecting with others through activities such as spending time with friends or family, volunteering, or joining a community group.
4. Spiritual self-care: This involves connecting with your own values, beliefs, and sense of purpose through activities such as meditation, prayer, or engaging in a spiritual community.
5. Intellectual self-care: This involves engaging in activities that stimulate your mind and creativity, such as reading, learning new skills, or pursuing hobbies that challenge you.
6. Environmental self-care: This involves taking care of your physical surroundings and creating a space that promotes relaxation and well-being, such as decluttering, decorating, or spending time in nature.

Consequences of self-neglect

Here are some of the things we go through when we neglect self-care. I wonder if you can relate to any of these.

1. Increased stress: constantly feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and stressed.
2. Poor physical health: constantly feeling poorly, unexplained weight gain, and physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, and stomach issues.
3. Decreased mental health: Continuous cycle of poor mental health such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Always feeling emotionally drained and mentally exhausted.
4. Reduced productivity: Decreased ability to focus and concentrate, leading to reduced productivity and efficiency.
5. Strained relationships: You become easily irritable, moody, and more likely to snap at others. This can have a big impact on your relationships.

While some of these outcomes can occur for other medical reasons, they also form part of the consequences of not taking out time to look after yourself.

Self-care activities

The following activities can really go a long way to give you a solid reset.

#1. Take a bubble bath

Fill up your bathtub with warm water, light some aromatherapy candles, and add some bubbles or essential oils to create a relaxing atmosphere.

#2. Go for a walk

Taking a walk is a great way to clear your head and get some exercise. It’s also free!

#3. Meditate

Find a quiet place to sit and focus on your breath for 10-15 minutes. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.

#4. Read a book

Reading can be a great way to escape and unwind. Check out books at your local library or book store. You can also try out kindle if you prefer to read e-books. Here are some books with raving reviews that may help.

#5. Listen to music

This is my go-to whenever I feel off. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and listen to it while you do something relaxing, like taking a bath or doing some yoga.

#6. Cook or eat a healthy meal

Eating well can have a positive impact on your physical and mental health. Look up some healthy recipes online. Pinch of Yum has some great recipes.

#7. Do some yoga

Yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve flexibility and strength. There are plenty of free yoga videos available on YouTube.

#8. Take a nap

Sometimes all you need is a good nap to recharge. Set aside some time to take a nap or get some extra sleep.

#9. Declutter your space

Every single time I declutter a space in my home, it feels like weight off my shoulders. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Take some time to declutter your space and create a more peaceful environment.

#10. Journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to relieve stress and gain perspective. All you need is a well laid out notebook and pen.

#11. Take a digital break

This can be hard, especially if you work online, or if you are at a point in your life where you are constantly searching for job opportunities. However, turning off your phone, computer, and other electronic devices for a few hours can help clear your thinking.

#12. Take a DIY spa day

Treat yourself to a DIY spa day with homemade face masks, a DIY manicure, and a relaxing bath.

#13. Practice gratitude

Take some time to focus on the good things in your life and write them down in a gratitude journal.

#14. Spend time with loved ones

Spending time with friends and family can be a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress. If you live abroad and far away from friends or family, phone calls or video calls can be a great substitute.

#15. Take a free online class

There are plenty of free online classes available on a wide range of topics, from cooking to coding. Pick something that interests you and give it a try.

The expectation is not to do all of these at once. You can start with small steps and it will all build up. Here are some simple routines you can incorporate into your day to help you get started.

Self care morning routine you can try:

1. Drink a glass of water to hydrate your body and get your metabolism going.
2. Take a few minutes to stretch or do some light exercise to get your blood flowing and energize your body.
3. Take a shower or wash your face to freshen up and start the day feeling clean and refreshed.
4. Take a few minutes to meditate, do some deep breathing, or practice mindfulness to calm your mind and set a positive intention for the day. You can also use this time to journal.
5. Eat a healthy breakfast, such as oatmeal, eggs, or fruit, to fuel your body and provide energy for the day ahead.
6. Take a few moments to plan your day and prioritize your tasks to help you feel organized and in control.
7. Take some time to do something that brings you joy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Self care afternoon routine you can try:

1. Take a break from work or other activities and take a few deep breaths to help you relax and refocus.
2. Have a healthy snack, such as a piece of fruit, nuts, or veggies and hummus, to refuel your body and provide energy.
3. Take a brisk walk or engage in some light exercise to get your blood flowing and clear your mind.
4. Connect with a loved one or friend, whether it’s through a phone call, text message, or video chat. Social connection can help boost mood and provide emotional support.
5. Set boundaries by turning off your phone, computer, or other devices for a set period of time to give yourself a break from constant stimulation.

Night time routine you can try:

1. Take a warm shower or bath to help you feel clean and refreshed.
2. Practice good sleep hygiene by creating a peaceful sleep environment, such as by using comfortable bedding, keeping the room cool and quiet, and using a white noise machine if needed.
3. Do some gentle stretching or yoga poses to help relieve any physical tension or tightness.
4. Practice mindfulness or meditation for a few minutes to help calm your mind and prepare for sleep.
5. Keep a journal by your bedside and write down a few things that you are grateful for or positive experiences from the day.

Recap: Taking care of yourself: How to prioritise your well-being.

• Take a bubble bath
• Go for a walk
• Meditate
• Read a book
• Listen to music
• Eat/Cook a healthy meal
• Do some yoga
• Take a nap
• Declutter your space
• Journal
• Take a digital break
• Do a DIY spa day
• Practice gratitude
• Spend time with loved ones
• Take a free online class

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