Let’s talk about a little self-care. I imagine many of you are like me. You say that you want to take care of yourself and have the best of intentions. But, life happens. Next thing you know, you are tired, stressed, and sick.
If you are anything like me, then you get frustrated with yourself and SWEAR you are going to do better. Typically, I do. Until… (you guessed it) life happens again.
The reality is the old saying is really true.
If you don’t take care of yourself, no one will do it for you.
What is self-care anyway?
So, let’s talk a little self-care. When you hear that term what does that mean?
By definition, self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health (From Oxford Dictionary). Sounds simple, right?
If it sounds so simple, why is it so hard to do?
First, most people simply don’t prioritize themselves. They don’t put themselves first because it feels selfish. I am here to tell you it is NOT selfish to take care of yourself. It is essential.
Next, I think it is because we think it has to be some grand gesture or commitment. That also costs a lot of money. For instance, how many of you immediately think of…
Going to the spa?
Joining a gym?
Taking up yoga?
Completely changing your diet?
Many people think self-care has to take a lot of time or cost money. Truth is, you don’t have to go to an expensive gym or spa. I mean, those are nice and everything if you some disposable income but not really necessary.
Like celebrating the great things, we don’t have to wait for a reason to put ourselves first and be the priority for once.
There are a couple of really easy and cheap ways to give yourself a little self-love.
Here are 5 easy and free ways to embrace some self-care.
Get outside.
This sounds so simple but I know I forget to do it. Simply step outside! Breathe some fresh air. Change your perspective. These simple things can definitely affect how you think about the world and yourself.
I work with a lot of corporate leaders who sit for hours. I sit for hours even working from home. On days when the weather is good or when I feel overwhelmed by stress, I usually step outside if only for 10 minutes. Doesn’t mean the work or stress magically go away. But it does give my brain a break and I usually feel more energized when I return to my desk.
Even if you only take a few minutes to walk around your yard, do it. Better yet, walk around the block. Just get outside, move your body a little, and take some lovely deep breaths. I promise you will feel refreshed.
Take a break from technology.
We are more connected as a global society than ever. There are so many great things that come from connection. But there is also overload. I personally find that it can be overwhelming to always be available. The texts. The alerts. The occasional phone call. Not to mention, most of the news is filled with negative noise, sadness, violence, anger… you know. All of the hard things.
It can all become too much without you even thinking about. We seem to have become desensitized over time, but it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t take a toll. It is stressing you out tweet by tweet and notification by notification.
I know that suggesting a detox will cause some anxiety, but I promise it makes a difference. Simply shutting it all off for just 15 minutes makes a difference. I promise!
To make it super simple, put your phone on airplane mode. Don’t even turn it off. Start with 15 minutes.
I promise you won’t miss anything too major in those few minutes. I promise. Disconnecting will feel very strange at first, but it actually will be wonderful once you learn to let go in little bits of time.
Get Quiet or Meditate.
Okay. Stay with me. In those 15 minutes your phone is on airplace mode get really quiet and still. Close your eyes and just focus on your breathe.
You know what you are doing in that time. Mindful meditation. I know meditation means different things to people. Many of my friends and family think it is hokey. Some kind of hippy dippy thing.
It is just being quiet with your thoughts. I don’t know what is so hippie about that. I personally think people are scared to be still and one with their thoughts, but that is another conversation.
Many people say that they don’t or can’t do it because it is too hard to stop their thoughts. Meditation isn’t about stopping a thought but it is about sitting quietly and observing your thought. Basically slowing it all down. It is called a practice for a reason.
There are so many wonderful apps out there. I have friends that love Calm. I personally love Insight Timer (if you get the app, you can add me as a friend!). I am not paid to promote them, but recommend trying them out. They offer a lot of their services, which include guided meditations, talks, & music for free. They even offer help in getting started with meditating. So, no excuse to not at least check it out.
Take a relaxing bath.
I LOVE this one. I am a shower girl, but incorporate a bath regularly. I don’t have some spa-like bathtub but that doesn’t mean I can’t make it special.
I run a warm bath and toss in some Epsom salts & baking soda with a few drops of essential oils. The Epsom salts & baking soda help with relieving tired muscles and inflammation. Some claim that it helps detoxify the body. I am not a medical professional. For me, it is just relaxing and I have the softest skin afterwards, especially in the winter months.
I also have been known to read a book or just listen to relaxing music. Either way, it is a great way to pamper yourself and just relax.
Talk to a friend.
Some times the best thing you can do is simply talk to someone. We are all busy. But true friends are always there when you need them. Sometimes you simply have to ask for what you need and let others support you.
I am the first to admit that I can have a hard time asking for help. I don’t want to burden others with my problems. But when the situation is reversed, we know we would be angry if someone we loved didn’t ask us for help if they needed it. We (and this means me too) have to practice what we preach.
Whether you need to vent (you know, have a true bitch session to get it all out), need comforting, or need advice. There is nothing better than a true friend. No makeup, shoes or clean house required.
Well, there you have my 5 free and easy self-care tips. I won’t sit here and tell you that I do these all the time or that I am some kind of guru. But I will tell you that these are my go-to tips & tricks. They work every time.
I would love to hear from you. What are your favorite self-care habits? Let me know if the comments or visit me on Facebook!
Until next time…
~kb