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It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. But don't forget to take some time for yourself! Self-care isn't just a trend, it's an important part of taking care of your physical and emotional health.

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January 10, 2024

What is Self-Care?

Self-care can be defined as the active role someone takes to establish and maintain good physical and emotional health, especially during times of stress. This important part of your overall health is more than just a trend and can come to life in different ways. Because self-care is such an individualized topic, there is no right or wrong way to practice self-care. No act or routine is too small, and the best part is, you don’t need to overhaul your entire life to be more intentional about self-care. From setting boundaries to finding moments of joy, these practices will help you recharge and rejuvenate, allowing you to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Ideas to Practice Self-Care

1. Avoid Checking Your Phone First Thing in the Morning

While many of us use the alarms on our cell phone to help wake us up, it might not be the best way to start your day. After you turn off your alarm, put your phone down for the first hour of your day. This allows you uninterrupted time to spend your morning however you would like.

When you reach for your phone as soon as you wake up, you end up scrolling through social media feeds, reading text messages or even checking personal or work-related email accounts. Taking in all this information first thing in the morning may leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed even before your day has really begun! With this uninterrupted time, try working out, tidying up, or even sip a cup of coffee outside.

KEEP READING: How to Do a Digital Detox

a woman waking up in bed

2. Prioritize and Manage Your Time

Another important way of regularly taking care of yourself is not spreading yourself too thin by saying yes to too many requests or committing to more than you can handle. While it may be difficult to decline additional responsibilities, doing so will help to alleviate stress and ensure that you have the time and energy needed for both external obligations and your own well-being. When you consistently overextend yourself, it may lead to physical fatigue, emotional burnout, or feelings of resentment, negatively affecting your physical and mental health. To avoid such situations, carefully prioritize your responsibilities and communicate your limitations to others without feeling guilty. Remember, saying no allows you to focus on the most important tasks, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and practice self-care effectively.

KEEP READING: Physical Health Benefits of Meditation

3. Find Humor and Laughter in Daily Life

Adding humor to your life is a self-care strategy that uplifts your spirits and boosts your overall health. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones, and lowers the levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol.1 When you laugh, your brain briefly detaches from worries and allows for mental relaxation. This break from the stressors of daily life reduces muscle tension and combats the negative effects of chronic stress. Embrace humor by seeking out funny movies, TV shows, books and podcasts that genuinely make you laugh.

couple dancing in kitchen

4. Engage in Activities that Bring You Joy

Engaging in activities that bring you contentment is a crucial aspect of self-care. When you do things you enjoy, your mind and body feel relaxed and rejuvenated. As mentioned before, self-care is an individualized topic. What works for you is likely going to be different than what works for a friend or a relative. Some people unwind by cooking (if that sounds like you, here are some meatless meal recipes that you might enjoy trying), but others may practice self-care by prioritizing workouts. There is no right or wrong way to practice self-care. The key is finding what brings you peace after a long, busy week, and doing that. Engaging in hobbies, pursuing passions and nurturing meaningful relationships can significantly enhance your overall well-being.

Remember, self-care is not a one-time event, but an ongoing practice that requires consistent effort. By integrating these simple strategies into your daily routine, you can nurture your physical, mental and emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Originally published June 2021. Updated January 2024.


References:

1 Biochemistry, Endorphin. Last updated April, 2023. Accessed December 15, 2023.

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