Let’s face it, life can be hard sometimes. Things can get a little hectic which is why it is so important to take some time to recharge before you end up breaking down (and sometimes not even knowing what it’s all about!). And even if you do live more of a stress-free life and don’t end up breaking down, it can still be important to take some time to check in with yourself and experience some self-growth and self-love! Below are a few things that I have found helpful when it comes to self-care.
Write in Your Journal
This is something I have found to be so so helpful when it comes to getting things out. There’s just something about seeing it all written out on paper that makes everything in our lives seem a little less daunting. I think we have a tendency to let things stress us out when we have so many things going on all at once. Being able to create a safe place that is a journal can be a great stress reliever. I’ve even found it helpful in sorting out my own thoughts and feelings so I can better express them to others if I feel the need to later!
Take a New Route
I don’t know about you, but I’ve realized that I sometimes get so caught up in my own routine that I don’t take the time to notice the beautiful things around me. I’m always just trying to get to my next appointment or check something else off of my to do list rather than taking time to explore what’s right around the corner.
I experienced this just a few months ago when I decided to take a different route on my morning run. After running just a few blocks, I ran into this cute little part of town that felt more like the country than the city! It was so refreshing and reminded me a lot of my home-town. If I would have just stuck to my normal route that morning, I never would have found this new place. So take a new route to work, school, or wherever you might be going, and experience the good around you!
Rearrange or Declutter Your Room
This is one of my personal favorites! Ever since I was big enough to start lifting things around, I have made rearranging my room a ritual of sorts. I love the feeling of walking into my room and not recognizing it for just a second before remembering that I moved it around just the day before. It gives me a sense of renewal and peace knowing that if I need a change in my life, I can find ways to make it.
And if you can’t move things around, you can always declutter or get rid of things you don’t use anymore. I’ve found that doing this gives me the same sense of renewal that rearranging does. There’s just something about having things clean and organized. It’s good for the mind!
Write Some Meaningful Positive Affirmations for Yourself
Positive affirmations are like magic to me. Our minds absorb a lot more than we think they do. I’ve realized that when I tell myself negative things over and over again (even if I’m joking at first), I sometimes end up believing them. There are already a lot of things trying to beat us down in the world–we shouldn’t allow ourselves to be one of them.
By developing a few sentences that you want to believe about yourself and repeating them aloud when you look in the mirror each morning, you can begin to develop a healthier relationship and view of yourself–which is what we all want! You can even start by looking in the mirror and simply saying “I love you” to yourself when you first wake up. It might feel silly at first, but keep doing it! You’ll notice a difference.
Take Time to Laugh
We’ve all heard that laughter is the best medicine out there, and it’s true! There have been multiple studies proving the effectiveness of laughter when it comes to overall happiness and wellness. Some benefits that I’ve found within these studies are that laughter helps to boost the immune system, relaxes the whole body, and even prevents heart disease! So whether it’s reading your favorite comic strip, watching a funny show, or calling to chat with the funniest person you know–make sure you’re taking time to laugh every day.
Call Someone You Haven’t Talked to in a While
I cannot even tell you how refreshing it can be to hear an old familiar voice on the other end of the phone after it’s been a while of not talking. I love being able to reconnect with old friends or family that I was once close to. This is a great way to recharge and reminisce on old times–not to mention it would probably be a happy surprise for that person on the other end of the phone as well. So take a look through your contacts, choose someone you miss talking to, and give them a call. It could make your day and theirs.
Take a Few Minutes to Check in with Your Surroundings
This one is especially helpful when you find yourself feeling tense or stressed out. I used to work in a field with clients who had disabilities, and I found grounding exercising to be very helpful when they would get worked up about things that were worrying them. I even found myself using them when I was off work and alone at home. My favorite way to do this is to take a few minutes to just be still and recognize my surroundings. I start by noticing something for each of my senses. I list something I can smell in that moment, something I see, something I hear, something I taste, and something I can feel. Doing this exercise can help you to reconnect with where you are right now rather than being stressed about the future or other circumstances that will soon pass.
I hope you are able to find success in trying some of these self-care habits. I would love to hear what some of you like to do in terms of self-care–let me know in the comments below!
Mind & Body 