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Self Care 101: 9 Ways to Look After YOU
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Yolanda
February 26, 2021
Updated on
February 9, 2024
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When was the last time you dedicated self care time for YOU?
I’m talking about mindfully putting time aside to look after number one. You probably can’t remember when it was, right? That is NOT okay – period.
I HAVE A TASK FOR YOU THIS WEEK. See if you can practice self care and do ONE THING EVERY DAY that focuses on you.
You’re probably thinking that I’m insane and that this is not possible. Not true. You just need to be mindful about dedicating the time.
Personally, I have been terrible at practising self care in the past. However, I am now making this a priority in my life, and it’s something I know I must do to maintain balance every day.
*If you don’t think that self care is a challenge, I admire you… please leave a comment with tips on how you balance your life with regular self care!
Now that I’m making an effort with self care I wanted to share with you my go-to’s when I need to unwind and look after myself.
I have a task for you this week. See if you can practice self care and do ONE THING EVERY DAY that focuses on you.
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Self Care 101: 9 Ways to Look After YOU
Here are some ideas that I hope will inspire you to get a little more self care time into your daily routine.
Remember, even little things that feel good count as self care, so if you are short on time you can still make this happen. I promise.
*Find time to practice self care every day of the week with these gorgeous printable self care worksheets (includes 75 new ideas)!
1. CREATE A GRATITUDE JOURNAL.
The gratitude journal I use is called The 52 Lists Project, with a list for every week of the year.
It’s a beautiful book that has so many lists to inspire self care and appreciate all the good stuff in your life. Some list examples:
The Happiest Moments in Your Life So Far
The Soundtrack of Your Life Right now
The Ways You Love to Have Fun
List all the People that Brighten Your Day
Spend 5 minutes at the beginning or end of your day and reflect on what you are happy with in life. What are you proud of? What are you thankful for?
Self care Tip #1: Create a gratitude journal. #selfcare #balance #selflove
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2. RETHINK YOUR BEDTIME ROUTINE.
Go to bed 30-45 minutes before you plan on falling asleep. Grab a book, diffuse essential oils (this is my diffuser that I have completely fallen in love with and use every day), or write in a journal.
The point is to unwind.
You’ve probably been thinking about everyone else except yourself all day, so this alone time is important to…
a) Set yourself up for a good night sleep
b) De-stress
c) Do something that relaxes you.
Now take note and see if this new routine helps you sleep more soundly.
Related: Self Care Morning Routine. New Ideas to Start Your Day
3. GO ON A DATE…with yourself.
Honestly – if you haven’t done this do not hesitate to try the ‘self date‘.
Do you ever notice that it’s hard to find someone that likes doing exactly everything you like to do? Well, that’s okay.
Do it with yourself and for yourself.
When I spend time with myself I like to take a long walk, then get a delicious coffee (and stay in the café) and enjoy, while watching life and people go by. Then I go for a pedicure and take full advantage of the chair massager! Later, I’ll pick up some inexpensive flowers from the market.
If I don’t want to spend any money – I take a long walk or go to a beautiful park and read under a tree.
4. LEARN TO SAY NO
You know when you feel you need to be somewhere, you need to call someone or you need to do a favour for someone?
Sometimes you just need to say no – to yourself and to others. Some people tend to overdo it and think of everyone but themselves.
Saying no to that party on Saturday night or to that friend asking you to house sit is okay.
I understand you might feel guilty, but learning to let that guilty feeling go will empower you. It will help you put yourself first, which is important to keep balance in your life.
I’m not saying to always say no, but this is a little reminder to listen to yourself and put your needs first.
Remember, if you aren’t happy no one around you will be happy either.
Self Care 101: Tip #4 – Learn to Say NO! #selfcare #happiness
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5. MAKE A HAPPINESS PLAYLIST
It’s proven that happy music can lift your spirit and literally set you up for a positive day.
If you’re not already on Spotify, sign up! You can set up a free account and create tons of playlists.
Once you have your happy playlist – listen to it when you wake up, when you’re in the shower, on your way to work or while eating breakfast. If you wanna get a dance party started – even better!
RELATED: Get Your Groove on Happy Playlist.
6. EAT WELL
You know it’s been a bad week when your fridge is a mess, you miss meals or eat poorly. I know you’re not proud when you don’t eat well and it just doesn’t feel good.
By fueling your body with healthy food you are boosting serotonin and reducing bloat, making you feel better overall
Tips To Eat Healthy When You Don’T Have Time:
a) Find a healthy resource: I am constantly referring to Joy McCarthy’s book, Joyous Health. It helps me choose clean, whole foods and explains the benefits of clean eating. It also doesn’t hurt that the recipes are to die for!
b) Make a healthy smoothie (use organic spinach, a protein and some fruit).
c) Have healthy snacks on hand, such as almonds, fresh fruit and cut up vegetables. Ensure you have healthy proteins ready in the fridge (boiled eggs, grilled chicken, chickpeas, feta, almond butter).
7. GET MOVING
We all know that exercise reduces stress, improves your mood and makes you feel great, yet many of us put it off.
The trick: Commit to doing something weekly (at the same time)… and don’t do this by yourself, as you want to have someone to motivate you to keep going.
Some Ideas To Get Moving…
Sign up for a weekly dance class
Find a walking or running buddy
Try a personal trainer
Set up a weekly virtual workout with a friend
By committing to someone else, encourages you to do it. You can do it for them, but importantly do it for yourself.
8. DO WHAT YOU LOVE
A lot of people aren’t lucky enough to be in jobs they love. If you are, congrats you are doing something right!
If you aren’t, just remember that life is a balance and finding time to do the things you love can be done outside of work.
If you love music, go to a concert.
If you love nature, make time to get outside (properly).
If you love art, try a painting class or go to the art gallery.
If you love movies, allocate time to watch what you like (for example if you’re a mom or dad, don’t only watch kid’s movies).
If you want to give back, volunteer.
If you want to get out of the job you are in, spend time learning and educating yourself.
We only live once so doing something you love on a regular basis is important to living a fulfilled life.
9. FIND YOUR SPIRITUALITY
Whether you’re religious or not, think of being spiritual as a time you dedicate for reflection.
Meditate or pray
Take a long walk
Do some gardening
Have a bath
Drink tea
Practice yoga
The focus here is while you’re dedicating time to spiritual self care, you can reflect on being in the present, clearing your mind and focusing on the positive. Release your stresses and just be.
How Will You Practice Self-Care This Week?
Leave a note in the comments and tell me which self-care ideas you’re going to try.
Related Self Care & Personal Development Posts:
5 Types of Self Care for a Balanced Life – with examples
Self Care Morning Routine – New Ideas to Start Your Day
47 Self Care Sunday Ideas
No Time for Self Care? Try These 3 Tips Now
About Yolanda
WEBSITE OWNER / CONTENT CREATOR
I’m passionate about helping you live life to the fullest so you can choose to find happiness and purpose. Learn how to CREATE THE LIFE YOU LOVE with intentional living and discovery of the simple things life has to offer. Learn more!
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